Head coach of D’Tigress, Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, Rena Wakama, has made it clear that her team is laser-focused on one mission: to win the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket and secure a historic fifth consecutive continental title.
With the tournament tipping off this weekend in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, the D’Tigress boss revealed that while her side is not yet at full throttle, the mindset and momentum are building fast.
D’Tigress Opens Training in Abuja: Focused, Hungry, United
At the team’s open training session in Abuja on Monday, 17 players took part, including a strong core of returning athletes who were part of Wakama’s 2023 title-winning squad.
D’Tigress head coach has stated that team chemistry and mental focus is the foundation of Nigeria’s title defense despite the short preparation time.
“The key focus is connecting. We have a few days to reconnect. Our core is coming back,” she said, standing courtside after drills and tactical runs.
“We have a core that has been with me for a few years now, but the key right now is to connect. Connect, come together, and be focused.”
D’Tigress Targets Clear: Retain Title, Eye the Olympics
Wakama is fully aware of the target on her team’s back, acknowledging that Nigeria’s dominance over the last four AfroBasket tournaments has made them the team to beat.
She noted that the players must be mentally and physically aligned to cope with the pressure and expectations.
“This is because we know going into this tournament, everyone is coming for us. That’s what it is. We have to connect and be as tight as possible.”
“So we can withstand any obstacles that come our way. Short-term goals is to win AfroBasket. Long-term goals, obviously the eye is always on the Olympics.”
Looking beyond the 2025 championship, Wakama also hinted at her broader ambition: leading Nigeria to the Olympic podium.
“Long-term goal is to get on the podium. Get on the podium. Get one of those medals. That’s long-term goal.”
Road to Abidjan: Preparations Intensify
With only days left before the team travels to Abidjan, the D’Tigress will continue their intensive training sessions in Abuja.
The team’s roster, expected to be trimmed down before departure, includes a blend of experienced stars and rising talents.
Wakama’s leadership has been instrumental in maintaining Nigeria’s dominance in African women’s basketball. Under her guidance, the team lifted the AfroBasket title in 2023 in Kigali, Rwanda, the first time a woman coach had led the D’Tigress to continental glory.
Now, as the tournament returns to West Africa, Wakama and her squad are aiming for history and they know the rest of the continent is watching closely.
“Everyone is coming for us. We know it. And we are preparing for it.”
The 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket will begin this weekend in Abidjan, with Nigeria among the top favorites. The D’Tigress have won the last four editions of the tournament (2017, 2019, 2021, and 2023).
