Rena Wakama, the coach of Nigeria’s D’Tigress, has been named the Best Coach in the women’s basketball event at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Wakama made history by becoming the first coach to lead the Nigerian National Female Basketball Team to a women’s Afrobasket title since the competition began in 1966.
Under her guidance, D’Tigress advanced to the quarter-finals for the first time, marking a historic achievement as the first African team, male or female, to reach this stage. Although Nigeria’s run ended with a 74-88 loss to the US, Wakama’s leadership earned her widespread recognition.
The International Basketball Federation celebrated her accomplishment with a tweet on Sunday, saying, “Best coach of #Paris2024 Women’s Basketball, Rena Wakama, Nigeria.”
Additionally, D’Tigress’ point guard Ezinne Kalu was honored by being named to the All-Second Team of the Olympics Women’s Basketball.
Wakama became the first female Head Coach of D’Tigress in 2023. Before this, she served as the director of women’s basketball operations and later as an assistant coach, where she played a key role in talent development and served as the team’s academics and community service liaison.
