Nigeria’s female basketball national team, D’Tigress’ coach, Rena Wakama has raised the need for preparations to start early towards next year’s FIBA Women’s Championship.
Sports247 reports that Wakama admitted she and her players are happy with their ability to win this year’s African Women’s Senior Basketball Championship (AfroBasket 2025) in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, but recalled that their preparations were not good enough.
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While outlining their plans for the future, Wakama started by heaping praises on the federal government, residents of Abuja and everyone who celebrated them on their return home with the trophy on Monday.
She disclosed, “It’s been amazing. There’s no place like home. We’re all really overjoyed for the love and support that we got from the government and from the city of Abuja.”
The two-time AfroBasket winning gaffer, who was also voted best coach of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France, affirmed that she and her players are now seeking victory on the global stage.
She continued, “This is not enough. We are hungry, and we are determined to make a push for another step on the big world stage.”
Wakama then stressed that Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) should make things possible for a quick start to preparations for the 2026 global championship so that D’Tigress will not face the same fire brigade approach that took them to Abidjan.
The former player-turned gaffer pointed out, “We lacked enough time for preparation. We only had five or six days to prepare, while other teams were in camp for weeks. So, preparation is key.
“I grew up with the Five Ps in life … proper preparation prevents poor performance. So, in order for us to continue to achieve at a high level, we have to put in funds.
“(We need) adequate resources and support for us to properly prepare. These ladies are all professionals in their own walks of life, but let’s not take them for granted.”
The ebullient tactician ended with a reassurance that D’Tigress are ready to go full blast any time they are called on, pointing out: “We come together with our backs against the wall for us to perform.”
