Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, have set their sights on clinching a record fifth consecutive FIBA Women’s AfroBasket title, as well as achieving Olympic glory, as they intensify preparations for the 2025 edition of the continental championship.
The team, currently holding a four-time winning streak, is gearing up for the tournament slated to take place in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, from July 26, 2025.
Head Coach Rena Wakama, who made history as the first female coach to win the AfroBasket title in 2023, reiterated the team’s ambition during an open training session in Abuja on Sunday.
Wakama emphasized that while defending their continental crown remains a primary objective, the long-term goal is for Nigeria to secure a place on the podium at the Olympic Games.
She led the team to the quarterfinals of the Paris 2024 Olympics, marking a new milestone in Nigerian women’s basketball history.
“Our short-term goal is to win the AfroBasket Championship again. The long-term dream is to stand on the Olympic podium and bring home a medal,” Wakama said, noting the importance of focus, team unity, and resilience as they prepare for the challenges ahead.
Wakama also highlighted the significance of building a sustainable future for women’s basketball in Nigeria. She called on fans, stakeholders, and sports authorities to invest more in supporting female athletes and developing upcoming talents.
“It’s not just about this current team. We must inspire and nurture the next generation of female players. We need support from everyone to keep women’s basketball growing in Nigeria,” she said.
According to Wakama, the team is motivated rather than pressured, and will go all out to give their best during the competition. She stressed that while winning is the goal, giving their all on the court remains the standard.
Team captain, Amy Okonkwo, echoed her coach’s sentiments, expressing excitement about reuniting with teammates and competing at the highest level in Africa.
“We’re excited to play against strong opponents. We’ve got a great mix of returning players and new faces, and we’re focused on preparing well, building chemistry, and giving everything we’ve got,” Okonkwo stated.
She expressed confidence in the team’s abilities but acknowledged the need for hard work, determination, and collective effort to succeed.
“I believe in this team, but it won’t be easy. We have to go into every game with confidence, stay disciplined, and be ready to fight for every win,” she added.
As the countdown to the championship begins, D’Tigress remain determined to extend their dominance in African women’s basketball and take further steps toward becoming a global powerhouse.
