“It’s Going To Be Emotional” – Wakama Speaks Ahead Of D’Tigress Clash With Senegal

D’Tigress head coach, Rena Wakama, has described Saturday’s semi-final clash against Senegal at the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket as one that will be both emotional and physical.

Despite that, Rena Wakama insisted that Nigeria won’t be distracted from their mission to retain the Afrobasket title.

Naija News reports that Wakama and her girls booked their place in the semi-final of the competition after humbling Cameroon 83-47 in Thursday night’s quarter-final at the Palais Des Sports de Treichville.

The Nigerian women have now stretched their unbeaten run at the competition to 27 games, a streak that reflects their dominance on the continent.

D’Tigress will face their former coach, Otis Hughley, now leading Senegal’s charge. It’s a reunion that adds emotional weight to a fixture already packed with high stakes.

“On Saturday, it’s going to be a great game, and it will definitely be emotional for some, and that is basketball. But we know our mission here and we will not allow anything to change that,” Wakama said after the victory over Cameroon.

“As I said, it is going to be an emotional game and very physical as well.”

Senegal secured their semi-final ticket with a hard-fought 66-60 win over hosts Côte d’Ivoire, setting the stage for a fierce West African showdown.

Wakama, who is aiming to lead Nigeria to a historic fifth consecutive AfroBasket title, knows the path ahead won’t be easy, but remains confident in her squad’s preparation.

The winner of the Nigeria-Senegal clash will book a place in the final against either Mali or South Sudan, who face off in the other semi-final.

The post “It’s Going To Be Emotional” – Wakama Speaks Ahead Of D’Tigress Clash With Senegal appeared first on Naija News.