Latest news with #RenaWakama
Forbes
05-08-2025
- Sport
- Forbes
D'Tigress Make It Five: Nigeria's Golden Generation Continues Its Reign
In a tournament that tested grit, teamwork, and championship resolve, D'Tigress once again stood tall. Nigeria's women's basketball team claimed their fifth consecutive FIBA Women's AfroBasket title, defeating Mali in the final and solidifying their dominance in African basketball. This victory was not just another gold medal; it was a powerful statement. It served as a reminder that while many teams aspire to create a legacy, D'Tigress are living it, winning title after title while facing the pressure to sustain their greatness. For Head Coach Rena Wakama, this was her second consecutive AfroBasket title, each one a significant milestone in its own right. Just a year ago, Wakama and D'Tigress made history in Olympic basketball by becoming the first African team—male or female—to reach the quarter-finals. Now, they have proven once again that they are the best team on the continent, going undefeated in continental play since 2015. This triumph celebrates Nigerian excellence. It was about more than just lifting another trophy; it was about holding their ground while the rest of the continent came at them with increasing determination, intelligence, and preparation. D'Tigress navigated each stage: group, knockout, and finals, with discipline, intensity, and an unwavering resolve. Every game was a testament to the deep connection within this team. From veterans who understand what it takes to win, to newer players carving out their places in the team's dynasty, the blend of talent and selflessness was evident. Standout performers like Amy Okonkwo, who was awarded MVP of the tournament, Promise Amukamara, Ezinne Kalu, and Murjanatu Musa displayed a perfect mix of speed and composure, turning defensive pressure into fast breaks and open shots. Throughout the tournament, Nigeria attacked in waves. Whether shooting from beyond the arc or driving to the rim, they dictated the tempo and forced their opponents into mistakes. Their suffocating defense led to numerous turnovers and transition points. When shots weren't falling, it was their hustle and rebounding that kept them ahead. Even when the momentum shifted against them, as it did in the semifinal, they remained composed, regrouped, and responded like champions. The semifinal against Senegal, a long-standing rival in African basketball, lived up to its billing as a clash of giants. Senegal challenged Nigeria fiercely, but in the end, D'Tigress pulled away with clarity and composure in the crucial moments. When the final buzzer sounded the following day after clinching their fifth straight AfroBasket title, players embraced, with some crying, some celebrating, and others simply holding up five fingers, one for each championship they've now won in a row. That image was powerful: a generation of athletes reminding the world that greatness is not an accident. It is built piece by piece through sacrifice, belief, and consistency. This fifth title carries symbolic weight, arriving at a moment when Nigerian women in sports are excelling across various fields. The Super Falcons remain continental champions in football, while D'Tigress maintains the same status in basketball. Two powerhouse teams in different sports united in excellence. For Wakama, this achievement is part of a larger mission. From the beginning of her tenure, she has been outspoken about the need to change narratives surrounding women's sports in Nigeria. During a post-Olympic interview last year with she made her intentions clear: the goal isn't just to win; it's to inspire, create visibility, and spark belief. "I just wanted to bring attention to women's basketball, to show that we are skilled as well. With the support and love behind us, we too can potentially reach the top of the industry and excel." Her efforts are paying off. The momentum is growing, reflected in increasing titles, visibility, fan engagement, and media coverage. The days of dismissing women's basketball in Nigeria are fading. The next generation now sees a pathway forward. They witness a winning team led by a Nigerian coach, overcoming challenges and lifting trophies with pride. That matters. As the tournament concluded, discussions naturally shifted to what's next. The 2026 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup qualifiers are on the horizon, bringing questions about team depth, rotation, and development. But for now, D'Tigress can relish this moment, they've earned it. Winning five in a row is no small accomplishment; it signifies a dynasty and a legacy. While headlines capture the final score and the fifth title, the real story lies in the journey: how a team full of players from around the world comes together under one flag, time and again, to showcase what Nigerian basketball is capable of achieving. D'Tigress are not just the champions of Africa; they are the gold standard.
BBC News
03-08-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
AfroBasket 2025: Nigeria sama Mali wotowoto for historic fifth back to back title and 7th overall
Nigeria women basketball team, D'Tigress don win dia seventh African basketball title. Dem sama Mali to win di title back to back five times. Dis final wey dem win, repeat di 2021 AfroBasket final wen dem bin face Mali too. Coach Rena Wakama wey bin win di trophy for 2023 and also set record as di first female coach to win di title bin tell BBC Pidgin say she bin don always dream to be coach and to win trophies. Nigeria President Bola Tinubu bin tell D'Tigress say dem don bring honour to Nigeria wit dia "discipline, focus and team spirit" for di 2025 Women's AfroBasket afta dem beat Senegal for di semi-final. Di president praise D'Tigress for inside statement afta di team qualify for dia fifth straight AfroBasket final. Meanwhile former Vice president Atiku Abubakar also congratulate di team too. ''Congratulations to D'Tigress, Nigeria senior women basketball team for reaching di finals of di 2025 FIBA Women's AfroBasket.'' On Saturday, Nigeria defeat Senegal 75-68 for di semi-final of di competition wey dey happun for Ivory Coast. Wit dis win Nigeria don secure automatic slot to play for di 2026 FIBA Women World Cup for Berlin. for di third place match, first timers South Sudan shock 11-time African Champions, Senegal 66-65 to win bronze. South Sudan also qualify for di 2026 World Cup qualifiers and 2027 AfroBasket Championship.
Forbes
27-03-2025
- Sport
- Forbes
Chicago Sky Appoint FIBA's Best Coach Of The Tournament At Paris 2024, Nigeria's Head Coach Rena Wakama As Assistant Coach
The Chicago Sky have made a significant move by adding Rena Wakama to their coaching staff as an assistant coach under Head Coach Tyler Marsh. This appointment not only brings international expertise to the team but also demonstrates the Sky's commitment to incorporating diverse coaching backgrounds to enhance their performance on the court. Rena Wakama's coaching journey is truly inspirational. In June 2023, she became the first female head coach of Nigeria's D'Tigress. Under her visionary leadership, the team achieved its fourth consecutive AfroBasket title, marking a historic milestone in her career. Her tenure reached a new peak at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she led the D'Tigress to a remarkable quarterfinal appearance—making history as the first African team to reach this stage in Olympic basketball. A standout moment of that campaign was a convincing 75-62 victory over Australia, showcasing her ability to coach teams that exceed expectations. Following her success at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Wakama shared her coaching philosophy in an interview with At its core is a commitment to meticulous preparation. As she stated, "there's pressure everywhere—to perform, to succeed." This mindset was cultivated early in her career through the guiding principle of the "five P's": prior preparation prevents poor performance. By consistently putting herself in challenging situations, Wakama ensures she is always ready to seize opportunities and overcome obstacles. This disciplined and proactive approach, honed on the international stage, is set to foster a culture of resilience and readiness within the Chicago Sky. Before her groundbreaking achievements with Nigeria, Wakama honed her skills in player development and team management as the director of women's basketball operations at Manhattan College. This collegiate experience provided her with a robust foundation in nurturing emerging talent. Her expertise is expected to be invaluable for the Sky, particularly in developing promising young players like Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso. With her proven track record of transforming potential into performance, Wakama is well-positioned to help these athletes elevate their games. The Sky's recent offseason has been characterized by strategic roster overhauls aimed at building a championship-caliber team. The inclusion of seasoned professionals—such as Ariel Atkins, whose All-Star credentials and defensive prowess add depth, and Courtney Vandersloot, a veteran playmaker known for her record-setting assists—works perfectly alongside the infusion of fresh talent. This blend of experience and emerging skill, combined with Wakama's innovative coaching approach, positions the Chicago Sky as formidable contenders in the upcoming season. Wakama's philosophy of thorough preparation and strategic resilience aligns seamlessly with the Sky's mission to build a disciplined, future-ready team. As the Sky integrate international expertise with innovative strategies, they are in a prime position to elevate their performance in the upcoming WNBA season.
