Wakama: ‘Lessons in Losses’ as D’Tigress Target Philippines

D’Tigress head coach Rena Wakama has insisted her team will quickly learn from their defeat to South Korea and shift focus to their next game against the Philippines at the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Qualifying Tournament in Lyon, France.

Nigeria fell 77-60 to the Koreans on Thursday, their first-ever loss to the Asian side. The game was tight in the opening two quarters, with the score at 36-32, but the Nigerians lost momentum in the second half.

Victoria Macaulay once again stood out, scoring 22 points and grabbing six rebounds after her MVP display against Colombia.

Reflecting on the result, Wakama praised South Korea’s performance while stressing that her team will not overreact.

‘Korea is a great team. We struggled today shooting the balls and we turned over the ball twenty-two times which is not typical of our game,’ she said.

‘Mentality we are fine, and we are not going to overreact to the loss. There are lessons in losses so we are going to take the lessons from this game and try to get better and be ready for our next game.’

She also credited the Koreans’ defensive intensity.

‘The Koreans were very physical, denying our passing lanes and doubling up on our players. They did a great job and credit to them,’ Wakama added.

Nigeria will now prepare for Saturday’s clash against the Philippines before facing France and Germany in their final two games of the qualifying tournament.