D’Tigress Head Coach, Rena Wakama, has lauded President Bola Tinubu’s support for the Nigerian women’s national basketball team, the D’Tigress, describing his response to the team’s victory as “life changing.”
Speaking to State House correspondents on the reward President Tinubu honoured D’Tigress on the team’s historic fifth consecutive AfroBasket championship victory, Wakama expressed gratitude for the warm reception the team received at the Presidential Villa on Monday.
Wakama, the first woman to win back-to-back AfroBasket titles as coach, expressed sincere appreciation to the President and loyal Nigerian fans.
“We’re so thankful, so, so thankful for Your Excellency President Tinubu.
“This is life-changing for some of these girls, life-changing for us. This is what we need — renewed hope.
“We’re grateful for this and we look forward to even more support in the future,” Wakama said.
She attributed their seamless and triumphant victory in Côte d’Ivoire to the team’s strong unity and unwavering passion.
“It was easy representing Nigeria — a country and sport that we love deeply.
“When you love your country, your teammates, and the game, everything falls into place.
“It breaks my heart, but I know change has started with me.
“To be a woman and get an opportunity to coach at this level is a good sign for others.
“I’m thankful to the NBBF president for trusting me to lead this team and do my job.
“I hope I’m not the last, and I hope I’ve inspired other women to take bold steps into coaching,” she said.
Wakama, who is also an assistant coach at WNBA side Chicago Sky, earlier expressed hopes that her achievements would inspire more women to lead national teams.
Wakama and the technical crew each received $50,000 in recognition of their vital contribution to the team’s continental triumph.
President Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, awarded each player $100,000, a flat, and a national honour — Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).
The 33-year-old coach urged Nigerians to keep supporting the team ahead of the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup in Berlin, Germany.