Following a hard-fought defeat by the USA at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Nigerian Women’s Basketball Coach Rena Wakama delivered an impassioned call for greater investment in the nation’s sports infrastructure.
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This plea comes after Nigeria’s historic victories over powerhouses Australia and Canada, showcasing the team’s potential on the global stage.
When asked by reporters what message she had for Nigerians after the loss to the USA, Coach Wakama remained optimistic, emphasizing the untapped potential within the team. “The future is bright,” she began, her tone unwavering.
“We gat to invest in us. We have to give these girls the resources and the support for them to be able to get to the podium and get a medal. We are capable of it, we gat the talent.”
Coach Rena Wakama highlighted the unique strength of the Nigerian team, noting that every player on the roster was born and raised in Nigeria, a rarity in international basketball where many teams rely on players with dual nationalities.
“Everybody in the team is Nigerian,” she emphasized. “We didn’t have to go get anybody from the outside like other teams. We are all Nigerians born and raised.”
This sense of national pride and self-reliance, however, is tempered by a pressing need for increased support and infrastructure. Coach Wakama reiterated that while the talent is undeniable, without significant investment, Nigeria risks squandering this golden generation of athletes.
“We have to invest in the future and invest in sports,” she urged, calling on both public and private sectors to step up and provide the necessary backing.
Nigeria’s performance in Paris has captured the hearts of many, igniting hope for what could be a bright future in international basketball. Yet, as Coach Wakama stressed, for this promise to be fulfilled, it will require a concerted effort to nurture and develop homegrown talent.
The road to the podium may be challenging, but with the right support, Nigeria’s women’s basketball team could one day stand among the world’s best.
