As Africa’s elite teams battle for continental glory at the ongoing 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket tournament in Abidjan, Nigeria’s D’Tigress stars Murjanatu Musa, Amy Okonkwo, and Ezinne Kalu have been named among the 20-player shortlist for the Fan Vote MVP award.
The tournament, taking place at the Palais des Sports de Treichville in Ivory Coast, is currently in its knockout phase, and Nigeria’s trio have played pivotal roles in the team’s unbeaten run.
Murjanatu Musa, in particular, has been a standout performer. The former Phoenix Mercury forward began her campaign with a dominant 12-point outing in the opening 92–45 win over Rwanda, before replicating that tally in Nigeria’s narrow 60–55 victory over Mozambique.
She is currently averaging 13.5 points and 8.5 rebounds per game, anchoring both ends of the court for the defending champions.
Amy Okonkwo, the reigning MVP, has also impressed, contributing 10 points in the opener against Rwanda, eight more in the tight contest against Mozambique and 18 points and 6 rebounds against Cameroon in the quarterfinal.
Veteran guard Ezinne Kalu, 33, has brought leadership and experience to the floor, scoring seven points in the first game and stepping up with a game-high 16 points in the second. Her influence has been crucial in steering Nigeria into the semifinals, where they will face Senegal on Saturday.
The D’Tigress trio is joined on the Fan MVP shortlist by several of the tournament’s top performers, including:
Dulcy Fankam and Jessica Thomas (Cameroon) Raneem Elgewady (Egypt), Bella Murekatete (Rwanda), Cierra Dillard and Ndioma Kane (Senegal), Sika Koné and Maimouna Haidara (Mali), Paige Robinson and Jane Asinde (Uganda), Masseny Kaba (Guinea), Nyamer Diew (South Sudan), Sara Caetano (Angola) Leia Dongue and Ingvild Mucauro (Mozambique), Molly Kaiser and Kariata Diaby (Ivory Coast).
This year’s tournament—its 29th edition—has seen surprise upsets and breakout performances, including Uganda’s historic win over 11-time champions Senegal and South Sudan’s unexpected journey to the quarterfinals in their debut appearance.
While the Fan MVP award is not an official FIBA accolade, it serves as a platform for supporters across the continent and beyond to recognize and celebrate individual brilliance during the competition.
Voting for the Fan MVP continues until the conclusion of the tournament on Sunday, August 3.