Reigning African champions D’Tigress of Nigeria have officially unveiled their final roster for the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Championship set to tip off in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
Head coach Rena Wakama has named a 12-woman squad brimming with experience, youth, and continental pedigree as Nigeria gears up to chase an unprecedented fifth consecutive title.
The team will be looking to extend their dominant run on the continent, having won the last four editions of the championship in 2017, 2019, 2021, and 2023.
Final Squad for Abidjan Mission
The final 12-woman squad comprises a solid blend of returning stars and dynamic contributors across multiple positions:
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Promise Amukamara
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Ezinne Kalu
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Elizabeth Balogun
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Amy Okonkwo
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Nicole Enabosi
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Pallas Kunayi
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Victoria Macaulay
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Vera Ojenwa
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Blessing Ejiofor
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Ifunaya Okoro
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Sarah Ogoke
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Murjanatu Musa
These athletes will carry Nigeria’s hopes in what promises to be a highly competitive tournament, with rising African sides also bringing renewed strength and fresh talent.
Ezinne Kalu Speaks –“We’re super excited… We’re trying to win another championship.”
Veteran guard Ezinne Kalu, one of Nigeria’s most consistent performers over the past decade, spoke exclusively to Brila.net ahead of the tournament as the D’Tigress prepare to defend their crown.
“So far has been really good. All the guys have been competing. We’re super excited to go to Africa because we’ve been working really hard,” she began.
The seasoned guard referenced the commitment shown during training camp and assured fans of a thrilling tournament.
“So hopefully all the hard work shows. They should expect the show. Every game we get to come out and play.”
Reflecting on the team’s hunger for another championship, Kalu added:
“Been a while. Worked hard, trying to fight, and we’re trying to win another championship. Confident, very confident.”
However, she acknowledged that this year’s campaign will come with its challenges:
“Again, it’s not going to be easy. All the teams have got new players, so it’s not going to be an easy game. So we’re going to be fighting every day.”
Coach Rena Wakama’s Vision and Road to Five Straight Titles
Under the stewardship of Coach Rena Wakama, who guided the D’Tigress to the 2023 AfroBasket title, Nigeria remains the team to beat.
Wakama became the first female head coach to win the championship for Nigeria and is expected to further etch her name into history if her team succeeds again in Côte d’Ivoire.
With leadership from players like Kalu, Amy Okonkwo, and Victoria Macaulay, and the introduction of exciting talents like Pallas Kunayi and Vera Ojenwa, the team appears primed for another dominant campaign to lift a historic fifth straight AfroBasket title.
