Rena Wakama, the Head Coach of Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, has been named the Best Female Basketball Coach at the Paris 2024 Olympics tournament.
This recognition, a historic achievement, was announced by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) on their official X handle, stating, “Best coach of #Paris2024 Women’s Basketball, Rene Wakama, Nigeria.”
Wakama, 32, led D’Tigress to their first-ever quarterfinals appearance at the Olympic Games, where they defeated Canada 79-70. Although their journey was cut short by the eventual winners, the United States, with a 88-74 loss in the quarterfinals.
D’Tigress made history as the only African basketball team (men and women) to progress to the last 16 at the event.
The achievement is a testament to Wakama’s exceptional coaching skills, which have also led D’Tigress to victory in the women’s Afrobasket title, a feat not accomplished by any Nigerian National Female Basketball Team coach since the tournament’s inception in 1966. Under her guidance, D’Tigress defeated Senegal 84-74 in the final, securing Nigeria’s place as only the second country to win the title four times in a row.
Wakama’s contributions to Nigerian female basketball have cemented her place in history.
The All-Star Five of the events included A’ja Wilson (USA), Gabby Williams (France), Breanna Stewart (USA), Alanna Smith (Australia), and Emma Meesseman (Belgium). In addition, D’Tigress’ point guard and three-time Afrobasket champion, Ezinne Kalu, was named one of the All-Second Team of the Olympics Women’s Basketball, alongside Julie Vanloo (Belgium), Satou Sabally (Germany), Valeriane Ayayi (France), and Ezi Magbegor (Australia).
The MVP of the Women’s Basketball event was A’ja Wilson, while Jade Melbourne (Australia) won the Rising Star award. The Best Defensive Player award was given to Gabby Williams.
Wakama’s recognition as the Best Female Basketball Coach is a testament to her dedication and expertise, inspiring future generations of Nigerian female basketball players and coaches.
