The Nigerian women’s national basketball team, D’Tigress, is poised to defend its title at the 2025 FIBA Women’s Afrobasket tournament in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. Head coach Rena Wakama, who led the team to victory in her debut at the 2023 edition in Rwanda, has assembled a formidable squad blending experience and emerging talent. The roster features eight players from the 2023 championship team, ensuring a core of seasoned veterans familiar with the pressures of high-stakes competition. This strategic selection reflects a commitment to continuity and a belief in the proven ability of the returning champions.
Leading the charge is Sarah Ogoke, a four-time Afrobasket champion returning to the national team fold after a brief hiatus. She will be joined by Amy Okonkwo, the 2023 tournament MVP, whose dynamic play will be crucial to Nigeria’s title defense. The team’s strength lies not only in individual brilliance but also in its collective experience and proven chemistry. Players like Nicole Enabosi, Murjanatu Musa, and Pallas Kunaiyi-Akpannah, all multiple Afrobasket winners, bring a wealth of knowledge and leadership to the squad. This veteran presence provides a strong foundation for the team’s aspirations.
The blend of seasoned players and rising stars is a hallmark of Wakama’s selection strategy. One-time Afrobasket winners Elizabeth Balogun, Blessing Ejiofor, and Ifunaya Okoro represent the next generation of D’Tigress talent, ready to contribute their skills and energy to the team’s success. This combination of established champions and emerging players creates a dynamic and versatile squad capable of adapting to various game situations.
Further bolstering the team’s experience is the return of Victoria Macaulay, a champion in the 2019 and 2021 editions. Macaulay’s presence adds depth to the frontcourt and provides another veteran voice in the locker room. The squad also welcomes back Ezinne Kalu and Promise Amukamara, both of whom missed the 2023 tournament but represented Nigeria at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Their inclusion adds further depth and experience to the backcourt, ensuring a balanced and versatile lineup.
Adding a touch of novelty to the roster is Vera Ojenuwa, a rising star making her debut in a major international tournament. The 6ft 4in forward, currently playing for the Arkansas Razorbacks, brings an exciting element of youthful energy and potential to the team. Ojenuwa’s inclusion signals Coach Wakama’s willingness to integrate fresh talent into the squad, providing opportunities for development and future growth within the national team setup. This combination of established stars and emerging talent creates a dynamic and promising team poised to compete at the highest level.
With the final roster announced and the team arriving in Abidjan, the D’Tigress are fully focused on their mission to secure a fifth consecutive Afrobasket title. The National Sports Commission has also shown its support by providing welfare incentives and packages to the team, demonstrating the nation’s belief in their ability to succeed. Nigeria’s rich history in the Afrobasket tournament, boasting six titles since 2003, adds to the weight of expectation. However, this experienced and talented squad, led by Coach Wakama, appears well-equipped to navigate the challenges ahead and continue their reign as the queens of African basketball.
