D’Tigress captain Amy Okonkwo has disclosed that Coach Rena Wakama’s halftime message played a crucial role in their comeback victory over Mali in the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket final.
After a closely contested first half that ended 41-41, Wakama’s words of encouragement and experience spurred the team to dominance in the second half.
“We weren’t playing our best in the first half,” Okonkwo said.
“The coach’s words to the girls were simple. She reminded the team that we have been here before and it’s time to lead our opponents with our experience.”
With renewed determination, D’Tigress outplayed Mali in the third and fourth quarters, winning the game 78-64 and making history as the first country to win five consecutive Women’s Afrobasket championships.
Okonkwo also revealed that their toughest opponent in the tournament was Senegal, saying, “We had to find the mental toughness to resist their late resurgence in the game.”
The 28 year old, who currently plies her trade with French professional women’s basketball club from Bourges, expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for the generous rewards given to the team, including $100,000 each for the players, $50,000 each for the coaching and technical staff, and flats in the Renewed Hope Estate.
“I am thankful to his excellency for the beautiful gesture,” Okonkwo said.
“But the biggest honor is representing and winning with the green and white jersey.”
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