Head coach of Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, Rena Wakama, says her team is fully focused on retaining their AfroBasket title while continuing the long-term pursuit of an Olympic podium finish.
Speaking during an open training session held in Abuja on Sunday, ahead of the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Championship in Ivory Coast—which tips off on July 26—Wakama reaffirmed the team’s determination to defend its crown and make another mark on the global stage.
“Short-term goal is to win AfroBasket. Long-term, the eye is on the Olympics,” Wakama stated. “We want to get on the podium, get one of those medals. That’s the dream.”
Wakama, who made history in 2023 as the first female coach to win the AfroBasket title, led Nigeria to a record fourth consecutive continental championship in Rwanda, before guiding the team to the quarterfinals of the 2024 Paris Olympics—Nigeria’s best-ever finish in Olympic women’s basketball.
The coach emphasized the importance of chemistry and mental readiness, especially as D’Tigress step into the tournament as defending champions.
“We have a core that has been with me for a few years now. The key is to connect, come together, and stay focused,” she said. “Going into this tournament, everyone is coming for us. We need to be as tight as possible to withstand whatever comes our way.”
Wakama also highlighted her broader mission to uplift women’s basketball in Nigeria and inspire future generations of female athletes.
“We want to continue empowering and growing the game here in Nigeria,” she said. “We need support from fans and stakeholders. After these girls, who’s the next generation I’m inspiring? We need more support for young girls in basketball.”
Despite the pressure of expectations, Wakama said her team remains focused on giving 100% in every game.
“There’s excitement, not pressure. We’re going to give our all,” she said. “If we win, great. If we lose, great—we gave our all. That’s the most important thing.”
Team captain Amy Okonkwo echoed Wakama’s optimism, expressing excitement about the tournament and confidence in the squad’s ability to perform.
“We’re excited to be back together. We have good energy and some new faces,” Okonkwo said. “We’re preparing to win. We’re working hard—on our defense, offense, and chemistry. It’s going to take work, but I’m confident in us.”
The AfroBasket defending champions will look to secure a fifth continental title and solidify their position as the top team in African women’s basketball.
