Rena Wakama, the trailblazing Nigerian basketball coach, has been honored as the ‘Best Coach’ at the 2024 Paris Olympics, following her remarkable leadership of D’Tigress, Nigeria’s women’s basketball team. At just 32 years old, Wakama made history by guiding D’Tigress to the Olympic quarter-finals for the first time, a feat that earned her recognition from both FIBA and the Olympic organisers.
Wakama, who was born in Raleigh, North Carolina, and appointed as coach of D’Tigress in June 2023, quickly made her mark on the international stage. Under her leadership, Nigeria achieved its first-ever Olympic basketball victory, defeating third-ranked Australia in a stunning upset to open their campaign. This win set the tone for D’Tigress’s historic run, which continued with a dramatic victory over fifth-ranked Canada in the final group game, securing their place in the knockout stage for the first time.
This achievement was particularly significant, as it marked the first time an African nation, male or female, had advanced to the last eight in Olympic basketball history. Although Nigeria eventually fell to the United States in the quarter-finals, their journey left an indelible mark on the tournament.
In a blog post on Sunday, FIBA praised D’Tigress’s performance as the “most impactful” by an African team in Olympic basketball history. The organisation credited Wakama’s leadership as a key factor in Nigeria’s unprecedented success, highlighting her role in the team’s aggressive defense and strategic victories.
“Nigeria made everyone sit up and take notice by beating Australia on opening day, and that was the first time they had won a Group phase game,” FIBA noted.
“A few days later, Nigeria stunned Canada to become the first African team to take two wins at the Games, once again their tenacious defense providing the platform for success. Even more impressive, this secured them a ticket to the knockout phase and they became the first African team in history, men or women, to play in the Olympic Quarter-Finals. Their campaign eventually came to a close when they were beaten by USA, but even then they showed their fighting spirit and qualities until the very end.”
FIBA also recognised Wakama as “one of the youngest coaches in Olympic history who delivered a new high tide mark for Nigeria and African basketball.”
Wakama’s success with D’Tigress extends beyond the Olympics. In August 2023, she led the team to victory at the Women’s Afrobasket Championship, defeating Senegal 84-74 in the final. This win made Nigeria only the second African country to win the Women’s Afrobasket title four times in a row, further cementing Wakama’s reputation as a rising star in the world of basketball coaching.
Melissa Enoch
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