D’Tigress Trio in Contention for AfroBasket MVP Fan Vote

As the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket heats up in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, three key players from Nigeria’s D’Tigress, Murjanatu Musa, Amy Okonkwo, and Ezinne Kalu, have been named among the 20 finalists for the tournament’s Fan-Voted Most Valuable Player award, Sport360NG reports.

Now in its 29th edition, the biennial competition has delivered a mix of standout individual displays and surprising team upsets. Uganda stunned 11-time champions Senegal in a memorable group stage clash, while debutants South Sudan defied expectations to book a spot in the quarter-finals.

Nigeria, the reigning champions, remain strong contenders for the title and have been powered by the consistent form of their standout performers. Musa, a dominant presence in the paint, opened her campaign with 12 points in a commanding 92–45 win over Rwanda and repeated that tally in a tight 60–55 victory over Mozambique. The former Phoenix Mercury player is currently averaging 13.5 points and 8.5 rebounds per game.

Okonkwo has also been influential, scoring 10 points in Nigeria’s opener and adding eight in their second group outing. Veteran guard Kalu, aged 33, contributed seven points in the first match before producing a vital 16-point performance against Mozambique to guide Nigeria into the knockout rounds.

Their efforts have earned them places on a diverse shortlist for the fan-driven MVP award, which allows supporters to vote for their favorite players ahead of the tournament’s conclusion on Sunday, August 3.

Also named among the MVP hopefuls are Cameroon’s Dulcy Fankam and Jessica Thomas; Egypt’s Raneem Elgewady; Bella Murekatete of Rwanda; Senegal’s Cierra Dillard and Ndioma Kane; Mali’s Sika Koné and Maimouna Haidara; Uganda’s Paige Robinson and Jane Asinde; Guinea’s Masseny Kaba; South Sudan’s Nyamer Diew; Angola’s Sara Caetano; Mozambique’s Leia Dongue and Ingvild Mucauro; and Côte d’Ivoire’s Molly Kaiser and Kariata Diaby.

Though not officially sanctioned by FIBA, the MVP Fan Vote initiative offers fans an opportunity to celebrate the standout talents who have lit up this year’s tournament.