By Daily Sports Nigeria on August 5, 2025

Nigeria head coach Rena Wakama says D’Tigress have no intention of giving up their dominance on the African basketball stage after guiding the team to a record-extending seventh FIBA Women’s AfroBasket title, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

 “Hopefully for a very long time. It’s hard to put a number on it, but we want to keep going,” Wakama said when asked how long she believed Nigeria could remain at the top.

D’Tigress defeated Mali 78–64 in Sunday’s final in Abidjan to defend their crown and stretch their unbeaten AfroBasket run to 29 games.

It was their fifth consecutive continental title, sealing their place at the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup.

Wakama praised her team’s mental strength throughout the tournament, particularly given the limited preparation time.

 “We had only six practices before our first game. Other teams had months. This was a mental tournament,” she said.

 “We chose not to complain. We stayed mentally strong, and I’m proud of the team.”

The former Nigeria international also highlighted the role of belief and legacy in her pre-match address to the players ahead of the final.

“I told them, ‘Go out and win this game, not only for yourself but for our country. We are playing for something bigger than ourselves. We are leaving a legacy.’”

Wakama became the first female coach to win back-to-back AfroBasket titles and credited her assistant, Wani Muganguzi, for helping her manage the pressure from the sidelines.

 “Wani is like my brother. He’s a brilliant coach in France, and we align on values – God, family, and women’s empowerment.”

 “It’s easy to work with someone who shares your vision. Behind every successful team is a strong coaching staff.”

Tactically, D’Tigress made crucial in-game adjustments to contain Mali’s fast-paced play, with Wakama explaining her decision to rely on experienced centre Murjanatu Musa.

 “Mali are fast, disciplined and tough. We told the girls we had to stop their transition points and protect the paint.”

 “Musa is a warrior. I knew she struggled early, but I believed she would deliver and she did,” she said.

Source Punch Ng

Posted August 5, 2025

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