Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, have been drawn into Group D ahead of the 2025 Women’s AfroBasket qualifiers, as the race to secure a spot at the continent’s biggest women’s basketball tournament heats up. The draw, conducted by FIBA Africa, has set the stage for what promises to be an intense qualification phase leading up to the main event scheduled to take place in Kigali, Rwanda.
D’Tigress, the defending champions, will begin their qualification campaign in a group expected to test their strength and depth. Group D includes Nigeria and a set of yet-to-be-confirmed opponents from regional qualifiers, pending the outcome of final zonal tournaments. However, basketball analysts expect a competitive atmosphere regardless of who eventually joins the group.
D’Tigress Poised for Another Continental Run
Nigeria enters the 2025 qualifiers with a strong reputation, having won the last four editions of the Women’s AfroBasket tournament — in 2017, 2019, 2021, and 2023. The team’s dominance on the continent has made them the benchmark for women’s basketball in Africa. With a new challenge ahead, all eyes are on whether the team can maintain their impeccable form and secure a fifth straight title.
Speaking after the draw, officials from the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) expressed optimism about the team’s chances, citing the strength of the squad and the leadership of newly appointed technical staff.
“We are confident in the abilities of our girls. D’Tigress have set the standard for excellence in Africa, and we intend to build on that legacy,” a senior official from the NBBF said. “We respect all our potential opponents in Group D, but our objective remains the same — qualify and dominate.”
New Faces, Fresh Ambitions
The 2025 edition may see several changes in the D’Tigress squad, as some seasoned players are expected to retire or reduce their involvement due to age or injuries, while a crop of promising young talents from the local and diaspora leagues are eager to step up.
Coach Rena Wakama, who made history as the first female head coach to win the AfroBasket title with D’Tigress in 2023, is expected to continue at the helm. Under her guidance, the team displayed tenacity, tactical discipline, and resilience — attributes that will be crucial in the qualification campaign.
Wakama is already working with NBBF to scout and assemble a formidable squad for the qualifiers. “The future is bright for Nigerian women’s basketball. We have a strong foundation, and the next phase is about evolution. We’re not just focused on qualifying; we want to qualify in style,” she reportedly said during a team meeting.
Tough Road Ahead in the Qualifiers
While the full list of opponents in Group D is yet to be confirmed, the qualification process is expected to be rigorous. With FIBA Africa intensifying efforts to raise competitiveness across zones, even lesser-known teams have become serious threats. Several African nations have invested significantly in women’s basketball, aiming to close the gap on dominant sides like Nigeria and Senegal.
Group D is set to play its qualification series in a central location, likely to be announced in the coming weeks. The top team from the group will earn an automatic ticket to the final tournament, while second-placed teams across various groups may have to rely on wildcard entries based on performance, ranking, and point differentials.
Basketball analysts have noted that while Nigeria remains the favorite on paper, the importance of preparation and squad depth cannot be overstated. “Everyone wants to beat the champion,” said a local basketball analyst. “Nigeria will have to be at their best, especially if the group includes tough North or East African teams who have shown improvement in recent tournaments.”
A Championship Legacy to Protect
D’Tigress’ recent success has sparked massive growth in women’s basketball in Nigeria, both at the grassroots and professional levels. Their dominance has inspired a new generation of female athletes, and the team now shoulders the responsibility of continuing that momentum.
In 2023, Nigeria defeated Senegal in a hard-fought final in Kigali to win their fourth consecutive AfroBasket crown, reinforcing their place at the top of African basketball. The victory was seen as a testament to the country’s progress in women’s sports and the strength of its sports management infrastructure.
Retaining the title in 2025 would not only solidify their legacy but also boost Nigeria’s chances of automatic qualification for other global competitions, including the FIBA Women’s World Cup qualifiers and potentially the Olympic Games.
Support From the Home Front
The Nigerian Ministry of Sports Development has pledged its support to D’Tigress throughout the qualification campaign. Speaking after the group draw, the Minister of Sports commended the team for their historic achievements and promised continuous funding, training support, and exposure for the team.
“The Nigerian government is proud of D’Tigress. They are not just sports ambassadors but also role models for young girls across the country. We will ensure they get all the resources they need to qualify and win again,” the Minister stated.
Looking Ahead
As the countdown to the qualifiers begins, expectations remain high for the reigning champions. Preparations are already underway for training camps in both Nigeria and overseas, with the NBBF working closely with international clubs to secure the release of key players.
With a mix of experience, youthful energy, and an unshakable winning spirit, D’Tigress are not just aiming to qualify for the 2025 AfroBasket — they are preparing to make history yet again.
