Murjanatu Musa Leads Nigeria’s MVP Hopes in AfroBasket 2025 Fan Vote
Nigeria’s Murjanatu Musa has emerged as one of the leading contenders in the Most Valuable Player (MVP) fan vote at the ongoing 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket tournament, currently taking place at the Palais des Sports de Treichville in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. The fan poll, launched to allow supporters to celebrate their favorite players, has included three key D’Tigress stars: Musa, Amy Okonkwo, and Ezinne Kalu.
The 29th edition of the biennial competition has thrilled fans with standout performances and unexpected outcomes. Notably, Uganda shocked 11-time champions Senegal, while South Sudan, participating in the tournament for the first time, defied all odds to make it into the quarter-finals.
Murjanatu Musa has played a crucial role in Nigeria’s journey to the knockout stages. Her consistency and dominance on both ends of the court have drawn praise. She kicked off the tournament with 12 points in Nigeria’s emphatic 92–45 victory over Rwanda and repeated the performance with another 12 points in a tight 60–55 win against Mozambique. Averaging 13.5 points and 8.5 rebounds per game, Musa is one of the top performers of the competition so far.
Amy Okonkwo has also made significant contributions. She scored 10 points against Rwanda and followed up with eight points in the close win over Mozambique. Meanwhile, veteran guard Ezinne Kalu has added experience and firepower, scoring seven points in the opener and stepping up with 16 in the second group-stage match.
The three Nigerian stars are now part of a 20-player shortlist in the MVP Fan Vote, which recognizes outstanding individual achievements throughout the tournament.
Also featured in the MVP shortlist are 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), and Molly Kaiser and Kariata Diaby (Ivory Coast).
Though not an official FIBA award, the MVP Fan Vote gives basketball fans across the continent a chance to celebrate their heroes and spotlight exceptional talent like Nigeria’s Murjanatu Musa.
With the tournament set to end on Sunday, August 3, all eyes are on the final stages — and whether D’Tigress and Musa can carry their form to the top.
