Nigeria

A review of Group C of the 2027 World Cup Africa Qualifiers

THE opening round of the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup Africa Qualifiers begins Thursday in Rades, Tunisia, where the host nation will join Nigeria, Rwanda, and Guinea in seeking a strong start to their Group C campaign. The Big Tip Off writer Sindiswa Mabunda outlines the chances of the teams in Group C.

Tunisia

Once the symbol of tactical excellence in African basketball, Tunisia now find itself at a crossroads. Their AfroBasket campaign revealed a team in transition, flashes of the old brilliance mixed with growing pains of a younger generation still adapting to the big stage.

Veteran Omar Abada remains the team’s heartbeat, guiding a roster that’s learning to find its own identity. The departure of several key veterans, including Makrem Ben Romdhane and Radhouane Slimane, has left gaps, particularly in consistency and shot creation, but Tunisia’s basketball culture remains strong.

Their track record on the continent gives them an edge. They will also count on homecourt advantage. Even as the roster evolves, Tunisia’s structured approach, disciplined defence, and efficient ball movement ensure they remain competitive in any setting.

Nigeria’s basketball story over the past few years has been one of both potential and volatility. Boasting a deep pool of NBA and international talent, the D’Tigers have struggled to maintain a consistent core. Their recent AfroBasket campaign reflected that volatility: flashes of brilliance but little sustained chemistry.

Despite a talented roster that included Josh Okogie, Nigeria failed to advance beyond the quarterfinals, once again raising questions about continuity and cohesion. After missing the 2023 World Cup, the 2027 qualifiers present an opportunity for renewal, not just in results but in identity.

Nigeria’s success has always been built on athleticism, perimeter defence, and pace. If the federation can stabilise player selection and leadership, the D’Tigers have the raw ability to dominate this group. The question is not about talent; it’s whether they can finally translate it into consistent team play.

Rwanda

Few African nations have invested in basketball infrastructure like Rwanda has. The country’s commitment to basketball led to the construction of world-class facilities and the launch of grassroots programs. The East African nation has also hosted international competitions, all of which have raised expectations. However, their performance at the AfroBasket told a more sobering story.

Despite the leadership of Ntore Habimana and Williams Robeyns, Rwanda struggled to find rhythm and ended the campaign winless. The absence of key players and limited scoring options exposed the gap between investment and on-court execution. The qualifiers arrive during a period of transition following the departure of head coach Cheikh Sarr.

Former assistant Yves Murenzi steps in on an interim basis, supported by three former national team players: Kenny Gasana, Aristide Mugabe, and Sunny Niyomugabo. For Rwanda, this qualifying window is about turning potential into performance. They have the tools, discipline, structure, and homegrown pride, but must rediscover their confidence on the floor. If they can establish early chemistry and capitalise on their transition game, they could become a tricky matchup for every team in this group.

Guinea

Guinea’s run at the AfroBasket was one of the standout stories of the tournament. Although they narrowly missed the quarterfinals, their performances against top teams, including a memorable win over South Sudan, showed that the West African nation cannot be underestimated.

Led by Mamadi Diakite and Alpha Diallo, the team played with fearlessness and physicality, often dictating tempo and outworking their opponents. The fact that they missed the knockout rounds by just three points underscores how close they are to breaking into Africa’s top tier.

Guinea enter these qualifiers with belief and momentum. Their defensive discipline and balanced scoring make them one of the most intriguing dark horses in Group C. If they build on their AfroBasket foundation and keep the same intensity, they could threaten both Nigeria and Tunisia for a top-two finish.

Outlook

Nigeria’s firepower gives it the highest ceiling, but only if it can find unity. Tunisia’s tactical structure could keep them steady, while Guinea’s momentum from AfroBasket makes them the potential disruptor. Rwanda, with their growing basketball culture, will aim to translate their off-court progress into on-court results.

A review of Group C of the 2027 World Cup Africa Qualifiers Read More »

Eagles, D’Tigers, Lions and Ankoay spearhead Group B

Leave a Comment

THE AfroBasket is making a return to Angola after 19 years, and the giants of the game will converge on the cities of Luanda and Moçâmedes in the Southern province of Namibe in the quest to be crowned basketball kings of Africa. Ahead of the tournament, The Big Tip Off is providing a preview of all the groups, key players, statistics and predictions on which teams will emerge.

Group B Overview

Group B at AfroBasket 2025 promises fierce competition. Reigning champions Tunisia, perennial contenders Nigeria, an improving Cameroon, and plucky Madagascar make up the group.

Tunisia arrives aiming for a historic third straight title, backed by a balanced and efficient squad. Nigeria has the talent to challenge, but Cameroon is Tunisia’s true competitor in this group. The Indomitable Lions have shown consistency and steady growth across recent senior men’s tournaments. Their blend of young talent and experience makes them a formidable threat eager to improve on past performances.

Meanwhile, Madagascar returns after a 14-year absence, motivated to demonstrate growth and resilience. With only two knockout spots available, this group will truly test each team’s mettle and adaptability.

Tunisia – The Reigning Contenders

The Carthage Eagles enter the tournament as one of Africa’s most dominant basketball nations. With three titles (2011, 2017, and 2021) under their belt, Tunisia are chasing history with their pursuit of a third consecutive crown, a feat only achieved by Angola. Currently ranked 4th in Africa and 36th globally, Tunisia’s strong qualifying run showcased their offensive balance and defensive discipline, but it also exposed some vulnerabilities, including a recent loss to Angola.

Under coach Mehdy Mary, whose European experience has sharpened Tunisia’s tactical edge, the team boasts a balanced mix of veteran leadership and rising talent. Omar Abada, the qualifiers’ top scorer and assist leader for Tunisia, offers clutch playmaking, while Oussama Marnaoui provides scoring versatility. Tunisia leads the group in shooting efficiency (45% FG, 57.5% 3P, 78.8% FT), assists (19 per game), and blocks (11.2 per game), making them favourites. Maintaining consistency and depth will be key to their success.

Hill AfroBasket — **Jeremiah Hill’s playmaking ability will be pivotal for Cameroon in the AfroBasket. Pictures: FIBA Africa**

Cameroon – The Balanced Threat

Cameroon arrives with momentum and a motivated coaching staff led by Alfred Aboya, a former national player turned coach. Ranked ninth in Africa and 64th worldwide, Cameroon finished the qualifiers with a solid 4-2 record highlighted by strong rebounding and balanced scoring.

New Orleans Pelicans standout rookie Yves Missi will form part of Aboya’s roster, adding an extra layer of athleticism and potential to an already competitive team led by key contributors like Jeremiah Hill and Williams Narace. Cameroon dominated the boards in qualifiers, averaging 48.8 rebounds per game, in their qualifying group, while Williams Narace’s 56.6% three-point shooting stretched defences effectively.

However, the team struggled with shooting efficiency overall (38.8% FG) and recorded moderate turnovers (17.5 per game). If they can improve their perimeter shooting and maintain their rebounding dominance, Cameroon is well-positioned to challenge Tunisia for the top spot.

Nigeria – The Resurgent Giants

Nigeria’s D’Tigers remain a team which can never be overlooked, with a 2015 AfroBasket title and several deep runs. Ranked sixth in Africa and 42nd worldwide, Nigeria rebounded from a 0-3 record in the first window in November and went on a 3-0 run in the second window.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Official Team Nigeria Basketball (@officialteamnigeriabasketball)

Led by coach Abdulrahman Mohamed, Nigeria will rely on the talents of Caleb Agada, Mike Nuga, and Devine Eke. Ike was a standout in the qualifiers, leading the group with 22.7 points, 8.3 rebounds, three steals, and logging 39 minutes per game.

Nigeria’s strength lies in aggressive defence, leading the group in steals with 17 per game, and consistent rotation minutes. Yet, inconsistent shooting (38.7% FG) and turnovers (17 per game) are concerns. If their offence clicks and they maintain defensive pressure, Nigeria could upset the group order and advance.

Madagascar – The Returning Challengers

After a 14-year absence, Madagascar returns with renewed determination. Ranked 19th in Africa and 105th globally, Madagascar finished qualifiers 2-4 but made waves with a big upset over Egypt in the last qualifying window.

Coached by John Douaglin, Madagascar features dynamic guard Mathias M’Madi (2022 U18 MVP), steady backcourt leader Elly Randriamampionona, and the physical presence of Sitraka Rajarimanantoanina.

Madagascar’s greatest strength is ball security, with the lowest turnovers in the group (13.3 per game) and a respectable free-throw percentage (68%). However, their scoring average (73.5 PPG), shooting efficiency (37%), and rebounding (40.3 RPG) were the lowest in the group, indicating a need to improve offensive production and interior presence. If they can develop these areas, Madagascar could surprise opponents.

M'madi AfroBasket — **Mathias M’madi will ignite Madagascar’s run in Group B.**

Key Fixtures to Watch

Tunisia vs Nigeria: A marquee clash between reigning champions and a team hungry to reclaim African basketball supremacy.

Cameroon vs Madagascar: Experience and size versus youth and resilience. It will be a good litmus test for Madagascar to see how far their fight and determination can take them.

Nigeria vs Cameroon: Likely the pivotal match for second place, testing tactical execution and composure.

Predictions

Tunisia remain the clear favourite to win Group B. Their blend of championship experience, balanced offence, and disciplined defence gives them the inside track for another unbeaten group run.

Cameroon appears most likely to join them in the knockout stages. Their strong rebounding, improving shooting, and solid guard play under Alfred Aboya’s tactical leadership position them as a formidable challenger.

Nigeria are the group’s wild card. Their talent and defensive intensity could allow them to upset the favourites, but their offensive inconsistency poses questions. With quick cohesion, they could fight for a top-two finish.

Madagascar, while an outsider, has shown grit and the capacity for surprises. Their ball security and free-throw shooting could make them a tough out, potentially influencing group standings with a timely upset.

Eagles, D’Tigers, Lions and Ankoay spearhead Group B Read More »

Nigeria’s D’Tigress dyansty on the rise and breaking records

Leave a Comment

NIGERIA’S dominant D’Tigress are the Queens of African basketball, the epitome of what success is. After winning a record fifth successive Women’s AfroBasket title, it is safe to certify them as the continent’s greatest team. The era-defining D’Tigress were led by history-making coach Rena Wakama, the first woman to win the AfroBasket in 2023 with Nigeria, and she repeated the feat once more.

In the tournament, the D’Tigress kept writing themselves into history books in the Côte d’Ivoire capital, Abidjan – stretching their unbeaten run, which dates back to 2015, to 29-0. Nigeria’s opponents at the Palais de Sports des Treichville, the 2007 champions, Mali, did, for a while, put up a fight, but it was not enough. The continued excellence of the D’Tigress shone through, as they won 78-64 and captured a magnificent overall seventh AfroBasket title on Sunday night.

Although Nigeria trailed 21–26 after the first quarter, their response was immediate. A relentless full-court press led to turnovers, sparked fast breaks, and fueled a powerful rally in the second quarter. With back-to-back three-pointers, they tied the game at 41–41 by halftime. The D’Tigress maintained control from there, outscoring Mali 20–15 in the crucial third quarter and finishing with a strong 17–8 run in the fourth.

As the final buzzer sounded, the players embraced, celebrating with tears of joy, while some held up their hands, counting off five fingers to signify their fifth straight championship.

Nigeria's D'Tigress — **Ezinne Kalu showed ice veins as she took the battle to Mali in the final. Pictures: FIBA Africa**

Why They Won

At the core of Nigeria’s dominance were two complementary strengths: relentless defensive pressure and a balanced, multi-layered offence. Their early pressing disrupted Mali’s rhythm, leading to rushed, low-percentage attempts that Nigeria controlled on the boards before racing down court for easy points.

The third-quarter surge, a mix of flashy three-pointers and aggressive drives to the rim, broke a tied game and shifted the momentum irreversibly. Mali’s attempts to rally were repeatedly thwarted by missed shots, offensive fouls, and turnovers, compounding their frustration as Nigeria steadily built a double-digit lead.

Offensively, the D’Tigress exhibited unselfish ball movement, finishing with 24 assists, eight more than Mali, while running efficient half-court sets that generated high-percentage layups. When perimeter shots became harder to come by, Amy Okonkwo and Ezinne Kalu attacked the rim, drawing fouls that resulted in trips to the charity stripe.

Even as Mali switched their defence, Nigeria’s bench players maintained the pace, ensuring the team never lost its rhythm or composure. It was this seamless combination of defensive intensity and offensive versatility that carried them through the tournament and into the record books.

Key Players

Amy Okonkwo

Named tournament MVP for the second straight edition, Okonkwo was equally indispensable. She shot 7-for-11, including 4-for-7 from three-point range, for 19 points that often quashed Mali’s momentum.

Okonkwo’s inside game was punctuated by several and-one plays and tenacious defensive rebounding that stifled second-chance opportunities. Perhaps most memorable was her infectious passion and joy, flashing a wide, dimpled smile after every big play, which energised both teammates and the passionate Abidjan crowd.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by @UKinNigeria (@ukinnigeria)

She had the following to say after the victory: “The biggest thing for me was to give my voice to my teammates. Keep everybody unified and remind us that we are playing for something bigger than ourselves,” said Okonwo.

“Even when we are in a moment of stress or getting down, we have to bring up our energy, support and uplift each other because we only have ourselves.”

Ezinne Kalu

As the game’s leading scorer with 20 points, Kalu delivered a masterclass in two-way excellence. She poured in 20 points, attacking the paint with fearless drives, and anchored the offence with five assists and four rebounds. Her timely outlet passes ignited transition breaks, and her calm leadership steadied the team in tight moments. Reflecting on the victory, she said:

“Mali are a good team, but we had to keep fighting. I am extremely proud of how we handled the game. Even when they kept coming at us,” said Kalu. To be part of this historic win means the world to me. This is the fifth in a row for the team, my fourth. I will be back here for the next edition chasing that record as a player.”

Support and Depth

Point guard Promise Amukamara orchestrated the offence with poise, piling up 11 assists and uncannily hitting mid-range jumpers and a critical late three. Off the bench, Pallas Kunaiyi-Akpanah delivered vital interior scoring and hustle plays. Murjanatu Musa dominated the glass and secured extra possessions that fueled Nigeria’s runs.

Victoria Macaulay stretched defences with timely perimeter shooting and fought hard on the boards. Her resilience epitomised the team’s collective spirit. Nigeria’s win over Mali did more than defend a title – they capped yet another chapter of sustained excellence.

Through disciplined defence, unselfish offence and the leadership of Kalu and Okonkwo, the D’Tigress have cemented a dynasty unparalleled in Women’s AfroBasket history.

As Kalu vowed, they’ll return in 2027, one eye on that record, the other on continuing a legacy that shows no signs of slowing.

Nigeria’s D’Tigress dyansty on the rise and breaking records Read More »

African giants Nigeria and Senegal set for epic battle

Leave a Comment

THE Women’s AfroBasket semi-final battle on Saturday at the Palais de Sports de Treichville pits together two of the greatest to have bounced a basketball in Africa, Senegal and Nigeria. Nigeria is the new force in African basketball, the six-time champions and is gunning for number seven. Senegal is Africa’s most successful team with 11 trophies, and they will look to reclaim lost glory.

Interestingly, two West African giants will meet for the first time in an AfroBasket semi-final. In recent years, Nigeria and Senegal have contested the last four finals of the biennial women’s tournament, with the spoils of those victories going to the D’Tigress of Nigeria. Apart from having Senegal’s number in the four finals, Nigeria has five more victories, which include another final in 2005, while the Lionesses have managed four wins in head-to-head battles between the two nations.

Route to the last four

Nigeria

From the group stages, the ferocious D’Tigress had no desire to play the role of the hunted. They understood that their title defence required them to be on the prowl. The starter in Group D for the Nigerians was Rwanda, which showed little resistance as the D’Tigress feasted on them (92-47).

Up next was Mozambique – a stubborn prey that battled to the bitter end – but Nigeria managed to wrestle them to the ground and eked out a 60-55 win.

It was a perfect start for the five-time champs, who secured their quarter-final spot with a 2-0 record.

Statement win over Cameroon

The D’Tigress would have thought that Cameroon would give them a fight of their lives in the quarter finals, but it was not the case. Nigeria made light work of the Central Africans, beating them 83-47.

The key players and their numbers

Amy Okonkwo

The MVP of the last Women’s AfroBasket, Okonkwo, has been the sharp point of Nigeria’s attack. She had her best game against Cameroon, scoring 18 points and crashing 15 boards. Okonkwo’s presence in the paint and ability to stretch the floor give Nigeria the edge over any opponent. She 2/2 from three-point range, 4/10 in the paint area and 8/10 from the free throw line. The 28-year-old Murjanatur will be expected to produce more of the same when the D’Tigress face off against Senegal.

Murjanatu Musa

Musa has seen her production levels increase with every international competition, and in this AfroBasket, she is one of Nigeria’s statistical leaders. The power forward had 12-point games against Rwanda and Mozambique, and in the opening game, she had 10 rebounds. Wakama will expect more from Musa in Côte d’Ivoire, and given her improvement, the 25-year-old will demand more from herself.

Musa has a superb mid-range shot, and she is a good pick-and-roll player, which always puts her in scoring situations. Her rebounding and defensive prowess are a plus for the D’Tigress as they look to defend their title.

Route to the last four

Senegal

Senegal must have left fans wondering if they will do well in this year’s AfroBasket. While their followers may have been concerned, the players would know that the AfroBasket is a marathon and not a sprint. They started strong in Group C by dismantling a lowly Guinea 92-48, but as they did two years ago, they fell again to Uganda (73-70). Following their second-place finish on the log, they had to go the playoff route. The Senegalese masterfully took down Rwanda 80-37.

Senegal spoiled the party for the Ivorians

Against a strong host nation and its partisan fans, Senegal showed heart after trailing in the first three quarters. From the fourth, the Lionesses showed their experience and were worthy 66-60 victors.

Dillard Senegal — **Cierra Dillard and Senegal have overcome the mental block against Nigeria.**

Key players and their numbers

Cierra Dillard

The American-born point guard has made the point guard position hers with the national team. In the quarter-final victory against Côte d’Ivoire, Dillard posted 16 points, six defensive rebounds, four assists and three steals. Dillard has led the team with her ability to dictate play, find teammates and get buckets. After the disappointment of the final in Rwanda, Dillard will aim to set things right against Nigeria in Abidjan.

Yacine Diop

A veteran of three AfroBasket and knows the feeling of coming second best to Nigeria. As the leader of the team, Diop has to rally her team against a foe that has had the best of them over the years. Her 13 points, eight rebounds, and four assists will boost Senegal’s morale and her confidence going into the semi-final against Nigeria.

Outlook

The D’Tigress is the hot favourite in this. Form and history favour Nigeria, but they will face a huge test. Senegal knows they face a mental battle. Should they cross that hurdle, they could finally prevail against Nigeria.

African giants Nigeria and Senegal set for epic battle Read More »

Negedu confident J’Tigress are headed in a winning direction

Leave a Comment

(PRETORIA) The Nigeria women’s U18 program, which had languished in the wilderness for over a decade, has recently experienced a resuscitation, culminating in a third appearance at the ongoing U18 AfroBasket in Tshwane, South Africa.

Leading the revived Nigeria U18 team is Juliana Negedu, a 2004 Olympian and an assistant coach of the D’Tigress 2023 title-winning AfroBasket team.

Before speaking on the AfroBasket, she spoke glowingly about her experience at the Athens Olympics. The 45-year-old coach remembers the one victory they notched against South Korea in the classification game.

“We made history. We won one game – an African team winning a game in the Olympics. For me it was big. Going there, representing Africa and my country,” said Negedu.

Juliana Negedu on the sidelines — **Juliana Negedu has the credentials and squad of players to win the U18 AfroBasket. Pictures: The BTO**

Can Negedu’s experience as a player and contribution to the success of the D’Tigress in last year’s AfroBasket rub off on her team? The Nigerian coach felt the experience she had collected over time and working with the best people put her in a position to be successful.

“I know what happens on the court and off it. I have also played at the under-18 level and transitioned to the senior team. Apart from the Olympics, I have played in Europe. Those experiences put me in a position to coach the girls better,” said Negedu. “The AfroBasket success can also rub off on the group. Getting to work with Coach Rena (Wakama)… There are things I picked up that I can also implement in this tournament.”

The Nigerian coach and her team got their first taste of action in the U18 tournament against 2022 finalists Egypt in Group C on Monday – and the J’Tigress gave the North Africans a run for their money.

Negedu was far from disheartened by the 12-point loss (72-60) against the two-time champions. She felt following their long absence from the tournament, their performance against Egypt gave them a moral victory.

“It feels great. I know we were not able to get this one. Even though we lost, I believe we won. We have not been here for over a decade, and to perform the way we did is a sign of progress,” said Negedu. I feel the girls did well (against Egypt). We need to make a few adjustments, and we will be fine.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Juliana Negedu Akhere (@coachjulinegeduakhere)

Negedu spoke confidently about her team’s chances of bringing a maiden title at U18 level.

“My objective is to win. Win all the way and as I said already, even if we lose, I believe we have won. We are working on developing our talent and winning in the process,” said Negedu.”We are doing well, but we just need to get better in certain areas. The major goal is to win.”

Before the tournament in South Africa, Nigeria’s last participation in the U18 continental tournament was in 2008. Asked why this was the case, Negedu said, without being specific, that there were minor challenges.

“I think we were trying to figure out certain things to make that we get back here (to AfroBasket). I believe those small issues have been resolved and that why we are here today,” said Negedu.

The J’Tigress have two group phase matches left and they must Zimbabwe (on Thursday) and Uganda (on Saturday) to secure a place in the AfroBasket quarterfinals. Given Negedu’s confidence and how Nigeria held its own against Egypt, the idea of them being contenders for the title is not far-fetched.

Negedu confident J’Tigress are headed in a winning direction Read More »

Ogoke talks D’Tigress journey and Olympic Games quest

Leave a Comment

SARAH Ogoke’s journey with Nigeria’s D’Tigress started 13 years ago (2011) when she was a junior in college. She received a call-up to represent Nigeria in the Women’s AfroBasket in Mali, and from there, she has been part of building the D’Tigress into a powerhouse.

Although Nigeria finished the AfroBasket in fourth place that year, the experience marked her journey towards winning four consecutive AfroBasket titles (from 2017).

The already accomplished Ogoke now has the potential to achieve another milestone with the D’Tigress – becoming an Olympian. Ogoke and Nigeria are on a quest for a ticket to this year’s Olympic Games in Paris. Their journey to Paris begins at the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament, which tipped off in Antwerp, Belgium on Thursday.

In an interview with The Big Tip Off, American-born Ogoke discusses her experience as a D’Tigress, captaining the team, the upcoming Olympic Qualifiers, and their ambitions.

Nigeria's D'Tigresses — **Sarah Ogoke (7, extreme right) will lead the D’Tigresses in the quest for an Olympic ticket. Pictures: FIBA**

Ogoke, spent most of her youth in Nigeria, even attending nursery school there. Although growing up in the States, she frequently visited the West African nation during summers and Christmas holidays.

“I always wanted to have that opportunity to represent my homeland. When I got that call-up, I was extremely proud and excited to represent my country,” said Ogoke.

When the national team call-up arrived (in 2011), Ogoke achieved one of her dreams. At the time, she was the only college player on the team, with all her teammates being professionals. She found it very encouraging. Since then, the team improved with each tournament.

The team’s progress runs parallel to her personal growth. She is currently studying for her PhD in at the New York College of Podiatric Medicine.

“You know, I would say in my first three AfroBaskets we just got closer and closer to winning. In 2017 came first… From there it has been a consistent climb for the program,” said the Ogoke 33-year-old. “We just keep getting better and better.”

Ogoke acknowledges balancing a demanding academic and athletic schedule is like walking a tightrope.

“Its been everything. Its been extremely important. I played Division One basketball and I was a biology major. So believe it or not, I’ve been juggling high-level athletics and intense high level academics for a long, long time. I won’t say its been easy, but its not something new to me. I’ve been doing this since I was like 17 or 18 years old,” said Ogoke, winner of the 2019 FIBA African Women’s Champions Cup with Mozambique’s Ferroviario de Maputo.

She recently took on the high-pressure job of captaining Nigeria. A role she accepted ahead of last year’s AfroBasket in Rwanda. Ogoke would lead the team to the title, a process she feels brought on a different accountability.

“I take a lot of pride in being the captain. Being the veteran on the team, I have to lead and be the best example for the younger players on the team,” said Ogoke.

“I would say I have always been relevant to the team, but once attaining that captain status, it gave me a lot of confidence to show up… Especially as a veteran.

“I cannot rely on anyone else. As a former role player, I was able to win titles, but now that I have the captain status, the responsibility for winning or losing falls solely on me. Therefore, I took this responsibility very seriously and did my best to help the team achieve our goals.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by AfroBallers (@afroballers)

While she (Ogoke) led on the floor during the championship run, Rena Wakama called the shots from the bench. Wakama became the youngest and first female coach that the federation appointed. She was also the first female coach to win the AfroBasket.

“It’s been phenomenal, Coach Rena knows how to get us going, to motivate us, she can relate to us,” said the shooting guard.

Ogoke had high praise for Wakama’s leadership of the team.

“She is a woman. She is young, so it is like playing with a friend, or a big sister,” says Ogoke. “I feel like it made us much closer because she is much more relatable to us being a young woman. It’s been an absolute pleasure and joy playing for her.”

The D’Tigress arrived in Belgium four days before the start of The Qualifying Tournament – a similar situation to the 2023 AfroBasket. As a result, they have had limited time to prepare. Despite this challenge, they have created a team DNA of being undeterred.

“Nigerians are naturally perseverant, naturally prone to just getting things done regardless of our circumstances,” says Ogoke. “This is a young team but this team is extremely mature as well, we never make excuses and we always do our best to make the best the best out of everything we’re given.”

D'Tigresses — **Sarah Ogoke holds AfroBasket winning coach team coach Rena Wakama in high regard.**

D’Tigress began their Olympics campaign against a familiar foe, Senegal, whom they beat to clinch their fourth AfroBasket title. Nigeria won the match 72- 65. Ogoke, who scored 11 points and dished out five dimes, was complimentary of their West African neighbours ahead of the game.

“Senegal is a great team, they take a lot of pride in their program. They can’t be taken lightly, only our best we will do,” said Ogoke. “They have solid team, with a new coach (Alberto Antuna) so we’re gonna go in and do our absolute best and play hard.”

The Nigerian team will play the USA on Friday and Belgium on Sunday. Two tickets are available for their group, so winning at least one match improves their chances of qualifying for the Olympics.

“The main thing is that this is an opportunity that may never come again, there is only ever gonna be one Paris 2024 Olympics,” said Ogoke. “This is our chance to capture a ticket and become Olympians… To sew our name in sports history for all of eternity. So we have to go there understanding what is at stake and give it our all.”

Ogoke and D’Tigress have their work cut out for them, but they have risen to the occasion before, even when conditions don’t favour them.

With a ticket to Paris at stake, you can be sure the D’Tigress will have the tenacity and will to get the job done.

Ogoke talks D’Tigress journey and Olympic Games quest Read More »