D’Tigress Coach Rena Wakama Says Team is Ready to Defend AfroBasket Title and Chase Olympic Glory

Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, is gearing up to defend its AfroBasket crown later this month in Côte d’Ivoire, with Coach Rena Wakama confident the team is fully focused on winning a fifth consecutive title.

Speaking during an open training session in Abuja on Sunday, Wakama made it clear that the immediate goal is to retain their continental title, while the long-term vision remains securing a medal on the global stage at the Olympics.

“Because we know going into this tournament, everyone is coming for us. It is what it is,” Wakama said. We’re going to give our all. If we give our all and we win, great. If we give our all and we lose, great, we give our all.”

Wakama, who became the first female coach to lead a team to an AfroBasket victory in 2023, has brought a fresh sense of belief to the D’Tigress squad. Under her guidance, the team dominated the African scene and made a strong impression at the 2024 Paris Olympics, reaching the quarterfinals.

The 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Championship will be held from July 26 in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. D’Tigress is seen as the team to beat, having won the last four editions of the tournament. Wakama acknowledged the pressure that comes with such dominance but emphasised that the team is choosing to focus on effort, unity, and resilience.

Wakama also highlighted the importance of fan support and using the platform to inspire a new generation of female athletes in Nigeria.

Also, outside of sports, we want to continue to be able to empower and uplift sports and basketball in Nigeria. We need support from everybody. We need the fans.

“It’s so beautiful to have everyone here today to support us. But we need more of it.

With a strong core of returning players and a clear strategy in place, Wakama and her team are not only aiming to maintain their dominance in Africa but also to keep building toward their ultimate dream – standing on the Olympic podium.

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Chinalurumogu Eze

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