Preparations for Nigeria’s D’Tigress ahead of the 2025 Women’s AfroBasket Championship have officially kicked off in Abuja

Following a series of delays, invited players have started arriving at the national camp. As of Saturday morning, 14 players were already present, with more expected to join later in the day.

Head coach Rena Wakama has also arrived at the Abuja camp to oversee the training sessions. Wakama made history in 2023 by becoming the first female head coach of D’Tigress and leading the team to its fourth consecutive FIBA AfroBasket Women title marking the first time a Nigerian female coach achieved such a feat.

Under her leadership, D’Tigress also became the first African basketball team, male or female, to reach the quarterfinals at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, a milestone that earned Wakama the prestigious FIBA Best Coach award.

Players Currently in Camp:

1. Solape Amusan

2. Olawuyi Adenike

3. Murja Musa

4. Amy Okonkwo

5. Nicole Enabosi

6. Victoria Macaulay

7. Vera Ojenuwa

8. Elizabeth Balogun

9. Abiodun Damilare

10. Blessing Ejiofor

11. Ifunaya Okoro

More players are expected to arrive as the team ramps up preparations for another historic campaign.

Nigeria’s Super Falcons have earned $300,000 (approximately ₦458 million) after securing a spot in the semifinals of the 2025 CAF African Women’s Nations Cup in Morocco

The nine-time African champions produced a masterclass performance on Friday night, dismantling Zambia 5–0 at the Stade Moulay Hassan to advance to the semifinals for a record 13th time.

Nigeria stamped their authority early in the encounter, racing to a 3–0 lead in the first half with goals from Osinachi Ohale, Esther Okoronkwo, and Chinwendu Ihezuo. The onslaught continued after the break as defender Tosin Demehin added a fourth in the 68th minute, before substitute Folashade Ijamilusi completed the rout with a stoppage-time strike.

According to the Confederation of African Football (CAF), semifinalists are guaranteed a minimum prize of $300,000. The third-place team will receive $350,000, runners-up will pocket $500,000, and the eventual champions will walk away with $1 million (about ₦1.5 billion at current exchange rates).

The Super Falcons are entitled to 30 percent of the total prize money awarded to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) from the tournament, meaning the team could significantly increase their earnings if they progress further or win the title.

Nigeria will face South Africa in the semifinal of the tournament on Tuesday.

The final four of the CAF TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2024 showcases the continent’s finest, a host nation propelled by a rare wave of home support, a Ghanaian side on a mission, the reigning champions still standing, and the historical giant with an unmatched pedigree.

On Tuesday, two high-stakes semifinals take center stage, Morocco vs Ghana at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat and South Africa vs Nigeria in the cauldron of Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca.

Morocco vs Ghana: Ambition Meets Determination

Three years ago, Morocco reached the final on home soil, reigniting national pride in women’s football. In 2025, the Atlas Lionesses have matured, stronger and more composed. With a packed Olympic Stadium behind them, Jorge Vilda’s side has shown new-found maturity. Their 3-1 quarterfinal win over Mali, powered by an Ibtissam Jraïdi brace, reinforced their momentum. “This team knows how to endure and strike at the right time. There’s chemistry, there’s soul,” said Vilda post-match.

However, a different challenge awaits. Ghana has maintained relentless intensity throughout the tournament. The Black Queens, led by goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan, hero of their penalty shootout win against Algeria (0-0, 4-2 on penalties)—are a team on a mission. Head coach Kim Björkegren has been clear: “This team has been underestimated for too long. We want to shake things up.”

In the group stage, Ghana emerged from a tough pool with South Africa, Mali, and Tanzania, conceding just two goals and Tanzania, conceding just two goals and finishing with four points. They’ve since ridden a wave of self-belief, exemplified by playmaker Alice Kusi and the energetic Chantelle Boye—a mix of experience and fierce ambition.

Statistically, Morocco boasts one of the tournament’s best attacks (10 goals in four matches), while Ghana holds the best defensive record (only two goals conceded). The matchup is finely balanced. Home advantage might tilt the scales, but Ghana remains unfazed. “Playing the host nation is exciting, not pressure,” Kusi smiled.

South Africa vs Nigeria: A Final Before the Final

This is a classic rivalry, one etched into the very fabric of the CAF TotalEnergies Women’s AFCON. Nigeria has impressed with its discipline: two group wins and one draw, four goals scored, none conceded, and a commanding 5-0 quarterfinal demolition of Zambia. Within a cohesive squad, full-back Michelle Alozie and midfielder Rasheedat Ajibade have stood out, while Esther Okoronkwo, the tournament’s top assist provider with three, continues to rise.

On the other side, Desiree Ellis has instilled her methodical approach. South Africa faced hurdles but endured. After a 1-1 group draw with Tanzania, they edged Senegal on penalties (0-0, 4-1) in the quarterfinals, thanks to the brilliance of goalkeeper Andile Dlamini.

Still, there’s more to this team than meets the eye. Jermaine Seoposenwe, Hildah Magaia, and Lebogang Ramalepe are all capable of turning the game on its head. The possession-heavy style that once seemed toothless now looks sharper, and the squad seems to be reliving the spirit of their 2022 triumph. “There’s a fire, a collective memory. We know what this match means. We know what it takes to beat Nigeria,” Ellis insisted.

By the numbers, Nigeria dominates most categories: best attack (nine goals), best defense (no goals conceded). However, their most recent meeting in the CAF Women’s AFCON ended in a 2-1 victory for South Africa.

The final four of this 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations encapsulates everything promising about African women’s football. Morocco dreams of its first title. Ghana seeks a return to glory.