Head coach of Nigeria’s national women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, Rena Wakama, has issued a clarion call to her players ahead of their highly anticipated quarter-final showdown against Cameroon in the ongoing 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Championship. The critical encounter is scheduled to take place on Thursday in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, as both sides continue their quest for continental supremacy.
Nigeria, the reigning champions, have so far maintained an impeccable record in the tournament, displaying dominance, coordination, and tactical superiority in the group stage. However, they will face one of their toughest challenges yet in the form of a resilient Cameroonian side that also remains unbeaten.
With a place in the semi-finals and a step closer to retaining the title at stake, Coach Rena Wakama emphasized the importance of raising the team’s performance and focus.
“This is the business end of the tournament,” Wakama told reporters during a pre-match media engagement. “As a team, we know what is at stake and we are following through with our set goals game by game. Every match now is a final, and we have to give our all.”
Path to the Quarter-Finals
D’Tigress secured qualification for the quarter-finals after an impressive run in the group phase, where they swept aside all opposition with commanding displays. Their fluid ball movement, defensive solidity, and depth in the squad have earned them praise from analysts and fans alike.
Cameroon, meanwhile, have shown grit and determination in their matches, coming through a difficult group with a perfect record as well. Thursday’s quarter-final clash will therefore see two unbeaten giants of African women’s basketball battle it out for a coveted semi-final slot.
Wakama’s Vision and Tactical Approach
Rena Wakama, who made history in 2023 as the first female coach to lead Nigeria to an AfroBasket title, has continued to demonstrate her tactical astuteness and motivational leadership. Under her guidance, D’Tigress have evolved into one of the most feared teams in international women’s basketball.
Despite their dominant performances so far, Wakama insists that there is still room for improvement.
“We’ve done well to get to this point, but we can be better,” she noted. “We’ve been analyzing our games, and we’ve identified some areas where we need to be sharper. Against Cameroon, we have to be clinical in execution and mentally tough for all four quarters.”
She praised the team’s unity and commitment, saying, “These ladies are warriors. They fight for each other, and they understand the pride and responsibility that comes with wearing the national jersey.”
Star Players to Watch
Among the standout performers for Nigeria so far has been Ifunanya Okoro, whose shooting accuracy and ball-handling have proven pivotal. Also making significant impact are Promise Amukamara and Pallas Kunaiyi-Akpanah, both of whom have brought physicality and experience to the floor.
Cameroon, on the other hand, boast talents like Marguerite Effa and Yohana Isabelle, who have been instrumental in their team’s attacking transitions and defensive resilience.
The head-to-head history between Nigeria and Cameroon in AfroBasket competitions favors the West African giants, with Nigeria emerging victorious in their last few meetings, including the semi-final clash in the 2021 edition.
Eyes on the Trophy – and Paris 2024
While winning a fifth consecutive title remains a top priority, the 2025 AfroBasket also carries broader significance. The tournament doubles as a qualification route for the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics and the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup qualifiers. Nigeria are aiming to secure both their place at the global showpiece and solidify their status as Africa’s basketball powerhouse.
Wakama acknowledged the pressure but remained confident in her team’s ability to deliver under pressure.
“We’ve set our targets high, and we’re not losing sight of them. Every step we take in this tournament is a step toward something bigger,” she stressed.
Support from the Basketball Federation
The Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) has expressed its unwavering support for D’Tigress, commending the team’s performance and discipline so far. The Federation’s President, Musa Kida, praised Wakama’s leadership and reaffirmed the board’s commitment to ensuring the players have all necessary resources to succeed.
In a statement, Kida said, “D’Tigress have been exemplary ambassadors for Nigeria. We are proud of how they’ve represented the nation, and we are solidly behind them as they go into the quarter-finals. We believe they have what it takes to bring the trophy home again.”
Fans Rally Behind D’Tigress
Back home in Nigeria and across the African continent, fans have been rallying behind D’Tigress with social media hashtags, watch parties, and constant words of encouragement. Many see the team as not just defending champions, but as a beacon of hope and excellence in Nigerian sports.
On X (formerly Twitter), the hashtag #DareToDream and #DtigressRising have trended multiple times since the tournament began, as fans shared their excitement and optimism.
What Lies Ahead
Should Nigeria defeat Cameroon, they will advance to the semi-finals, where they could face either Senegal or Egypt depending on the other quarter-final outcomes. Victory there would pave the way for a potential rematch with host nation Côte d’Ivoire or a fierce contest with long-time rivals Mali.
For now, though, the focus is singular: beat Cameroon, and do it in style.
Coach Wakama concluded with a rallying cry: “We are not here to participate—we are here to dominate. We respect every opponent, but we fear none.”
The D’Tigress vs Cameroon quarter-final promises to be a thrilling encounter—a clash of titans with a place in the AfroBasket last four on the line.
