D’Tigress Coach, Rena Wakama has unveiled the final team list of 12 players for the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket in Ivory Coast.
The list is headlined by experienced names such as captain Amy Okonkwo, Promise Amukamara, Sarah Ogoke, and Ezinne Kalu.
Also making the roster of the nation’s finest 12 are Murjanatu Musa, Victoria Macaulay, Elizabeth Balogun, Blessing Ejiofor, Ifunaya Okoro, Vera Ojenuwa, Nicole Enabosi, and Palla Kunayi.
D’Tigress are eyeing a historic fifth consecutive AfroBasket title, having dominated the last four editions. The team’s remarkable four-peat run includes three finals victories over fierce rivals Senegal.
The 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket takes place from July 26th – August 3rd in Abidjan, as D’Tigress will take on Mozambique and Rwanda in Group D.
Meanwhile, the National Sports Commission (NSC) has announced improved welfare packages, including increased bonuses and allowances, to boost the team’s morale and performance.
During a courtesy visit by the team to the NSC Leadership in Abuja on Tuesday, Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director General Hon. Bukola Olopade, reaffirmed the nation’s unwavering support and confidence in the squad.
Mallam Dikko and Hon. Olopade also visited the team’s training camp to encourage the players and officials as they fine tune preparations for the continental showpiece.
Dikko emphasized the Commission’s commitment to prioritizing athlete welfare and excellence.
He said: “We understand that behind every victory is a motivated team, and that begins with how we treat our athletes. That’s why we are stepping up our support with improved incentives to match the level of dedication and sacrifice this team has shown over the years. Welfare remains a top priority for us at the Commission and we will do everything possible to support our athletes.”
On his part, NSC Director General Hon. Bukola Olopade praised the resilience and consistency of the D’Tigress team, charging them to make history once again.
He said, “You are the pride of our nation. Your winning spirit, unity, and strength inspire millions of Nigerians. As you head to Abidjan, go with the belief that you carry the hopes of an entire nation behind you. We trust you to return with the trophy once again.”
Nigeria has won the Women’s Afrobasket Championship four times in a row, and six times in total. They won in 2017 at Bamako, Mali, 2019 at Dakar, Senegal, 2021 at Yaounde, Cameroon, and 2023 at Kigali, Rwanda.
D’Tigress became the first African basketball team, male or female, to qualify for the quarterfinals of the basketball competition at the 2024 Olympics.