D’Tigress of Nigeria head coach Rena Wakama has called for focus and improvement despite her side’s emphatic 92–45 victory over Rwanda in their opening game at the 2025 FIBA Women’s Afrobasket in Abidjan.
Wakama, who led the D’Tigress to continental glory in 2023, praised her team’s performance but insisted there is still work to be done as they bid for a fifth consecutive Afrobasket title.
“It was a good win, but we’re not where we want to be, this is a life lesson you have to be able to control what you can control. Our message is simple, we are the standard, and we must keep showing that every day” Wakama said.
Despite Rwanda drawing first blood in the contest, Nigeria quickly took control, ending the first quarter 17–8 and heading into half-time with a 20-point lead at 45–25.
A 26-point third quarter effectively sealed the result before the defending champions finished with another 13-point margin in the final period.
Elizabeth Balogun led all scorers with 18 points, while Victoria Macaulay contributed 13 points, five assists, and three rebounds. Nigeria had five players in double digits, including Murjanatu Musa (12), Ifunaya Okoro (11) and Amy Okonkwo (10).
Coach Rena Wakama. Photo Credit: X
“As a coach, I’m pleased. We had 37 bench points and five players in double figures, but statistics aside, it’s about staying sharp and making sure we improve as the tournament progresses” Wakama added.
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While D’Tigress outscored Rwanda 25–13 from turnovers and limited their opponents to just 3-of-21 from beyond the arc, Wakama and her players are aware tougher tests lie ahead.
Rwanda’s Destiney Promise Philoxy was the standout performer for the East Africans, scoring 11 points and leading her side in efficiency, while Keisha Hampton added 10.
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The result extended Nigeria’s unbeaten run in the Women’s Afrobasket to 25 matches, dating back to October 2015. The team remains firm favourites to retain their crown in Côte d’Ivoire.
Nigeria’s next group fixture will provide another opportunity for Wakama’s side to fine-tune their rhythm as they look to cement top spot. “We know what the target is,” but every game is a new challenge, and we have to keep rising to it.”
