In a landmark achievement for African basketball, 32-year-old Rena Wakama guided Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, to their first-ever Olympic quarter-finals at the Paris 2024 Games. This milestone marks the first time an African team, men or women, has advanced to this stage in Olympic basketball history.
Despite a valiant effort, Nigeria was defeated by Team USA with a score of 74-88. However, Wakama’s impressive leadership and strategic coaching throughout the tournament did not go unnoticed. Her outstanding performance earned her the title of Paris 2024’s Best Female Coach, as voted by FIBA officials.
Wakama’s calm demeanor and tactical brilliance were pivotal in Nigeria's journey, as she successfully led her team to victories that captivated the basketball world. Under her guidance, D’Tigress defeated Australia on the opening day, marking their first-ever Group phase win. They followed this with another historic victory over Canada, becoming the first African team to secure two wins at the Olympic Games and earning a spot in the knockout phase.
In a statement on its website, FIBA commended Wakama for delivering "the most impactful performance by an African team in history" at the Olympic basketball competitions. The recognition solidifies her status as a rising star in the coaching world and highlights her significant contribution to the sport.
Team USA, who went on to claim gold by defeating host nation France, may have ended Nigeria's run, but Wakama’s achievements have left an indelible mark on the global stage, announcing her as a formidable coach and leader in international basketball.
Best coach of #Paris2024 Women's Basketball
— FIBA (@FIBA) August 11, 2024
Rene Wakama, Nigeriapic.twitter.com/iAe0eh4Rso
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