Rena Wakama, the head coach of the Nigerian women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, displayed remarkable coaching prowess and was named the best coach of the Paris 2024 Olympics by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA).
This accolade follows Wakama’s historic achievements with the team, which included guiding them to their first-ever Olympic quarterfinal appearance.
At just 32 years old, Wakama has already significantly impacted the world of women’s basketball. Before the Olympics, she made history as the first female head coach to lead D’Tigress to an Afrobasket title in 2023, a feat that had eluded the team since the competition’s inception in 1966.
Wakama’s coaching prowess was on full display during the Paris Olympics, as she led her team to a stunning upset victory over world number three Australia in their opening game. The team followed this up with another impressive win against world number five Canada, securing their place in the quarterfinals and making history as the first African basketball team, male or female, to achieve this feat.
Despite eventually losing to the dominant U.S. team, D’Tigress put up a valiant effort, scoring 74 points against the defending champions. This performance marked the second-lowest winning margin for the U.S. in an Olympic quarterfinal and the most points they conceded in the fourth quarter.
Wakama’s impact on the team extends beyond their on-court success. She has instilled a winning mentality and a sense of unity that has resonated with her players and fans. After the historic win against Canada, an emotional Wakama expressed her pride in her team and her hope that their achievements would inspire young girls watching.
“It’s surreal and I don’t think it’s going to hit me yet for another couple of hours. I am proud of my girls, and I have pushed them so hard. I have pushed them harder than anyone can even imagine. It’s because I know what they can do; and we did that today and we showed them who we are,” Wakama said.
As the world celebrates Rena Wakama’s achievement as the best coach of the Paris Olympics, her story serves as an inspiration for aspiring coaches and athletes alike. Her success with D’Tigress has not only put Nigerian basketball on the map but has also demonstrated the immense potential of African teams on the global stage.
With Wakama at the helm, the future looks bright for D’Tigress. As she continues to push her team to new heights, the world eagerly awaits their next chapter of success and the impact they will have on the sport of women’s basketball.
