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.