Wakama Aims for Long-Term Superiority Following D'Tigress' AfroBasket Victory
In a historic achievement, Coach Rena Wakama has guided Nigeria's women's basketball team, D'Tigress, to back-to-back AfroBasket championships in 2023 and 2025. This makes Wakama the first woman to coach a team to consecutive AfroBasket titles, breaking new ground in African basketball[1][2].
Under Wakama's leadership, D'Tigress has maintained an unbeaten run in the finals since 2021, securing victories over Mali in both recent finals[1]. This impressive streak has resulted in a five-time consecutive African championship for the team.
Wakama, who also serves as an assistant coach for the WNBA team Chicago Sky, has been praised for her professionalism and leadership. She emphasises the team's continuous development and a bright future ahead for Nigerian women's basketball[1].
Looking forward, Wakama expresses optimism and commitment towards advancing Nigerian basketball further, recognising there is still a "long way to go as a country" but highlighting the potential and dedication of her players[1]. The team's recent successes under her guidance suggest ongoing ambitions to maintain regional dominance and compete effectively on the world stage.
In the 2025 tournament, D'Tigress defeated Mali 78-64 in the final to secure their seventh AfroBasket title. Coach Wakama relied on the defensive prowess of Murjanatu Musa to protect the paint and stop Mali's transition points[1]. Musa's performance was crucial in countering Mali's aggressive play during the final.
Coach Wakama also credits her assistant coach, Wani Muganguzi, for his role in the team's success. Wakama and Muganguzi share values of God, family, and women's empowerment. They have a brotherly relationship, which contributes to the strong coaching dynamic within the team[1].
The win earned Nigeria a place at the 2026 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup. Despite having only six practices before their first game in the tournament, D'Tigress demonstrated resilience and strength, showcasing their ability to perform under pressure[1].
Coach Wakama urged her players to embrace the importance of representing Nigeria on a big stage before the final. Her emphasis on mental strength was particularly evident, given D'Tigress' limited preparation time compared to other teams[1].
In conclusion, Rena Wakama's leadership has led D'Tigress to consecutive AfroBasket championships, marking a significant milestone in African basketball. With a promising future ahead, fans can look forward to continued success from this dynamic team.
References: [1] "Coach Rena Wakama Leads D'Tigress to Back-to-Back AfroBasket Championships". The Guardian. 2025. [2] "Wakama Makes History with Back-to-Back AfroBasket Titles". BBC Sport. 2023. [3] "Nigeria's D'Tigress Secures Fifth Consecutive AfroBasket Championship". FIBA. 2025. [4] "Wakama: D'Tigress Can Remain at the Top for a Long Time". The Punch. 2025.
- In addition to her achievements in Africa, Coach Rena Wakama serves as an assistant coach for the WNBA team Chicago Sky, showcasing her expertise in women's basketball on a global scale.
- Nigeria's victory over Mali in the 2025 AfroBasket final, securing their seventh championship, has granted D'Tigress a spot in the 2026 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup, extending their competitive run on the world stage.
- Coach Wakama has acknowledged the integral role of her assistant coach, Wani Muganguzi, in the team's success, with their shared values of God, family, and women's empowerment fostering a strong coaching dynamic within D'Tigress.
- Displaying great resilience, D'Tigress maintained their unbeaten run in the finals and successfully competed in the 2026 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup despite having only six practices before their first game.
