“Rena Wakama Named FIBA’s Best Female Coach of 2024 Olympics”

“Rena Wakama Named FIBA’s Best Female Coach of 2024 Olympics”

Rena Wakama, the head coach of Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, has been honored as the Best Coach of the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA).

At just 32 years old, Wakama has made history as the first female Nigerian basketball coach to achieve such a prestigious recognition and as one of the youngest coaches in Olympic history. Under her guidance, D’Tigress reached new heights, advancing to the Olympic quarterfinals for the first time ever.

D’Tigress made an emphatic start to their campaign, securing a 75-62 victory over Australia’s Opals, who were ranked third globally. This victory was their first Olympic win in 20 years, following their success against South Korea in Athens 2004.

The team continued their impressive performance with a 79-70 win over fifth-ranked Canada, making history as the first African team to advance to the Olympic quarterfinals with two victories in the Games.

Although their journey ended in the quarterfinals against the United States, D’Tigress displayed tremendous resilience and determination.

FIBA praised Wakama’s leadership as a pivotal element in Nigeria’s unprecedented success, describing it as “the most impactful performance by an African team in Olympic Basketball Tournament history.” The organization highlighted her role as a key driver of the team’s remarkable achievements.