By Joe Apu
The Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) has unveiled strategic plans to ensure D’Tigress are fully primed to defend their crown and chase a historic fifth consecutive title.
Speaking to the federation’s media team upon his return from the official draws in Abidjan, NBBF Vice-President, Babs Ogunade, confirmed that a training camp will be held in Abuja ahead of the championship.
He further disclosed plans to organise a three-nation invitational tournament involving Nigeria and two other yet-to-be-named national teams. The event, he said, is designed to give D’Tigress competitive exposure and reconnect them with their fans on home soil.
“The NBBF wants to ensure that the girls are well prepared ahead of the championship,” Ogunade stated. “We want to present the team to their teeming fans and the Nigerian public in a friendly three-nation tournament. This will help build momentum and put the team in good stead for the competition.”
He also called for the early release of funds to facilitate timely and adequate preparations, including camping both locally and abroad in top-tier facilities.
“Our best players at home and abroad are eager to represent the country and would be delighted to wear the national colours,” Ogunade concluded.
Nigeria’s D’Tigress remain the dominant force in African women’s basketball, and the NBBF is keen on extending that legacy with another commanding performance in Abidjan.
The 2025 FIBA Women’s Afrobasket Championship is scheduled to take place in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire from July 26 to August 3, 2025.