Head coach of Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, Rena Wakama says her team is determined to retain their continental crown and remain a dominant force in African basketball ahead of the 2025 AfroBasket Championship.
Speaking during an open training session in Abuja on Sunday, Wakama reaffirmed her team’s short-term goal of winning a fifth consecutive AfroBasket title and a long-term ambition to reach the podium at the Olympics.
“Short-term goal is to win AfroBasket. Long-term goal is to play on the world stage and get on the podium,” she said.
The 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket will take place in Ivory Coast from July 26, and Wakama is confident about her team’s preparation and mindset.
Wakama made history in 2023 by becoming the first female coach to win the AfroBasket title, guiding D’Tigress to their fourth consecutive championship in Rwanda. Under her leadership, the team also reached the quarterfinals of the 2024 Paris Olympics, marking their best-ever finish at the global event.
“We have a core group that’s been with me for years. The key is to stay connected and focused. Everyone is coming for us—we know that. We must stay united to overcome any obstacles,” she said.
Beyond trophies, Wakama emphasized her passion for inspiring young female athletes and called for greater support from fans and stakeholders to grow women’s basketball in Nigeria.
“Outside of sports, we want to uplift and empower basketball in Nigeria. After these girls are gone, who’s next? We need more support for our young girls,” she appealed.
Team captain Amy Okonkwo echoed the coach’s optimism, stating that the team is confident, focused, and working hard to compete at the highest level.
“We’re preparing to win. It’s going to take hard work, but we’re confident. We’re building chemistry and working on both offense and defense,” she said.
Okonkwo added that the players are excited to be reunited, describing the atmosphere in camp as energetic and determined.
“We’re just excited to be together again. We have good energy and some new faces. We’re focused and ready to compete in Ivory Coast,” she added.
Coach Wakama concluded by stating that the team will give their all in every game, regardless of the outcome.
“If we give our all and win, great. If we give our all and lose, that’s fine too. The goal is always to give 100 percent,” she said.
