Follow Us on Google
The Chairman of the Marketing and Sponsorship Committee of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), Ugo Udezue, has described the just concluded WNBA tour of Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, as a strategic investment aimed at securing the future of the programme.
D’Tigress concluded their United States tour against WNBA side Indiana Fever May 2. The encounter follows earlier outings against Los Angeles Sparks, who claimed an 89-63 victory on April 25, and Minnesota Lynx, who defeated the Nigerian side 88-79 on April 27.
Reflecting on the tour, Udezue said the initiative goes beyond immediate results, stressing that it represents a deliberate effort to rebuild and strengthen the national team for the future. The NBBF presented a 21-player roster for the tour, with only seven members drawn from the squad that won the last AfroBasket and featured at the World Cup qualifiers in France earlier this year.
According to Udezue, the decision to introduce a large number of new players was intentional, as part of a broader plan to integrate emerging talents into the team.
“This tour is a perfect blend of confidence, hope, and long-term vision. What we are witnessing is not just competition, but the intentional building of the future,” he said.
He added that blending experienced players with younger prospects is critical to sustaining the team’s success, noting that exposure to high-level competition will accelerate development.
Other News
Udezue, who is also CEO of AFA Sports, emphasised that the federation’s focus remains on growth and continuity rather than short-term outcomes.
“While some may focus on immediate results, we are looking beyond the scoreboard. This tour is about exposure and identifying the next generation of leaders for Nigerian basketball,” he stated.
D’Tigress, who have remained unbeaten against African opposition since 2015, are preparing for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup scheduled to hold in Germany in September.
With several members of the current squad above the age of 30, Head Coach Rena Wakama and the NBBF are expected to intensify efforts to manage a smooth transition within the team. Veteran guard Sarah Ogoke, who served the national team for over a decade, announced her retirement in February.
The USA tour has largely featured players from the collegiate system, a move seen as part of the federation’s long-term succession plan for the team.
