Nigeria women’s national basketball team head coach Rena Wakama has expressed confidence in the long-term prospects of D’Tigress following their second defeat on the United States tour, insisting the team’s development remains on track.
Wakama, who is currently away on WNBA duties with Chicago Sky, reacted after Nigeria’s 88–79 loss to Minnesota Lynx in Kansas City on Tuesday morning, a result that followed an earlier defeat to Los Angeles Sparks.
Despite not being on the bench, with assistant coach Wani Muganguzi leading the side during the tour, Wakama took to social media platform X to underline her belief in the team’s future after what was widely viewed as an improved performance.
“The future is bright!!!” she wrote.
Nigeria pushed the Lynx across all four quarters, trailing narrowly 46–43 at half-time in a closely contested encounter that featured six lead changes and five ties before the hosts pulled away late.
Ezinne Kalu led the scoring with 25 points, while Gabby White added 16 and Pallas Kunaiyi-Akpanah contributed 11, as D’Tigress showed improved attacking balance despite being undone by lower shooting efficiency and fewer assists.
Wakama’s message prompted a wave of reactions from supporters, with many echoing her optimism while offering differing perspectives on the team’s direction.
Sports journalist Kenny Bamidele (@BigKensyn) expressed strong belief in the team’s chances of achieving global success this year.
“We dey win world cup this year,” he wrote.
Folárìn (@F_II_S) called for a greater emphasis on youth, suggesting the current moment represents an opportunity to transition away from more experienced players.
“The future is now! Drop some vets.”
A social commentator Paul Edokpayi (@NigerianWave) highlighted the importance of structured development, urging the coaching crew to keep emerging players engaged while pairing them with experienced figures to accelerate growth.
“I hope Coach Rena finds a way to keep these young players engaged and active within the program,” Edokpayi wrote.
“Some may not make the World Cup squad right now, but pairing them with vets as accountability partners is key. Development at this age can be rapid, if we invest now, the payoff will be massive.”
Cy Is On BlueSky (@CyDieyi) pointed to the integration of new players as a promising development.
“That’s right, Coach! so happy to see the new additions to the team!”
JackOfMuch (@Joeleerules) expressed admiration for the coach’s approach.
“I love what you are doing coach”
The current D’Tigress squad is part of a broader rebuilding phase, with a 21-player roster largely made up of young talents, many drawn from the American collegiate system, as the Nigeria Basketball Federation focuses on long-term development ahead of the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup.
With one game remaining against the Indiana Fever, the coaching crew will continue to assess tactical cohesion and player combinations as Nigeria build towards the global tournament.
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