Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, are drawing inspiration from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent rewards to the Super Falcons as they prepare for their Afrobasket quarter-final clash on Thursday.
The defending champions secured their spot in the last eight after a dominant win over Mozambique on Monday, topping their group with back-to-back victories. They now await the outcome of the playoff between Cameroon and Angola to determine their next opponent.
Training resumed Tuesday under the guidance of Coach Rena Wakama, with a focus on sharpening shooting and tightening defensive tactics ahead of the knockout round.
Speaking ahead of the quarter-final, team captain Amy Okonkwo said the players were uplifted by President Tinubu’s recent gesture to the Super Falcons — who were honoured with cash rewards, houses, and national honours following their success at the WAFCON.
“We were in the locker room after our game against Mozambique when we heard the President’s announcement. It was emotional for us,” Okonkwo said.
“It shows that women’s sports are finally being recognised and supported at the highest level. We’re grateful, and we’re motivated to bring the trophy back home again.”
Okonkwo also praised the National Sports Commission (NSC) for its renewed focus on athlete welfare, describing the current leadership as a “turning point” for Nigerian sports.
Looking ahead to the quarter-final against either Angola or Cameroon, Okonkwo said the team remains focused and cautious.
“Afrobasket is getting tougher each year. Every team wants to beat Nigeria. We know that and are preparing accordingly. We’re not taking any opponent lightly.”
Nigeria joins hosts Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, and Uganda as the four teams that earned automatic qualification for the quarter-finals after topping their respective groups.
