By Saheed Ibrahim
In a remarkable achievement, Nigeria’s Rena Wakama has been named the best female Basketball coach of the Paris 2024 Olympics by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA).
This recognition comes on the heels of her historic year leading the Nigerian women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, where she broke barriers and set new records on the international stage.
Her team might not have won a medal at the 2024 Olympics, she won many hearts by guiding D’Tigress to the quarterfinals, marking the first time an African team, male or female, has advanced to this stage in Olympic basketball history.
Rena Wakama’s journey with D’Tigress began in 2023 when she was appointed as the head coach, making history as the first female to hold this position. Her tenure has been spectacular, highlighted by leading the team to their fourth consecutive AfroBasket title in 2023.
Under Wakama’s leadership, D’Tigress defied the odds, starting with a stunning victory over Australia, the third-ranked team globally, in their opening game. This win set the tone for their Olympic campaign, showcasing the team’s resilience and tactical brilliance.
Wakama’s ability to inspire and strategize was evident as the team navigated through a tough group that included Canada and host nation France, eventually securing a spot in the knockout stages.
The journey to the quarterfinals was not just a testament to the team’s skill but also to Wakama’s exceptional coaching. She brought a unique blend of passion, energy, and tactical acumen, qualities that have not only elevated the team’s performance but have also placed her among the top coaches globally. Her recognition by FIBA as the best coach of the tournament is a significant milestone, not just for Wakama but for African basketball as a whole.
According to FIBA, “32-year-old Wakama has been deservedly crowned Best Coach after guiding D’Tigress to an array of historical achievements in Paris.
“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. A few days later, Nigeria stunned Canada to become the first African team to take two wins at the Games, once again their tenacious defence 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 the USA, but even then they showed their fighting spirit and qualities until the very end.”
Wakama’s success is rooted in her deep understanding of the game, shaped by her playing career and coaching stints in the United States.
Born in Raleigh, North Carolina, Wakama played college basketball at Western Carolina University before starting her coaching career.
Her experience as an assistant coach at Tulane University and her leadership roles at various levels have contributed to her coaching philosophy, which emphasizes discipline, teamwork, and resilience.
The impact of Wakama’s leadership extends beyond the court. She has become a symbol of empowerment for women in sports, particularly in a field historically dominated by men. Her success with D’Tigress serves as an inspiration to aspiring female coaches and athletes across Africa and the world.
As D’Tigress builds on their successes, Wakama’s influence will undoubtedly be a driving force. Her recognition as the best coach at the Paris 2024 Olympics is a fitting acknowledgement of her contributions to the sport and her role in rewriting the history of African basketball. With her at the helm, the future of Nigerian basketball looks brighter than ever.
