Rena Wakama, head coach of Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, the D’Tigress, has been honored as the Best Coach in the women’s basketball event at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
This accolade marks Wakama as the first Nigerian coach to achieve this recognition and highlights a historic achievement for Nigerian basketball.
Wakama also made history by leading the D’Tigress to the quarter-finals of the tournament, making them the first African team—men or women—to reach that stage.
Despite their impressive run, Nigeria was eliminated from the women’s basketball event after a 74-88 loss to the United States.
The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) celebrated Wakama’s achievement on social media, stating, “Best coach of #Paris2024 Women’s Basketball, Rena Wakama, Nigeria.”
In addition to Wakama’s success, D’Tigress point guard Ezinne Kalu was named to the All-Second Team of the Olympic Women’s Basketball event.
Wakama’s journey with the D’Tigress began in 2023 when she was appointed as the team’s head coach.
Prior to this role, she served as the director of women’s basketball operations and assistant coach, where she significantly contributed to the development of talent and the team’s academic and community outreach efforts.
