Rena Wakama, the head coach of Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, has been recognized as the Best Female Basketball Coach during the Paris 2024 Olympics tournament.
The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) made the announcement on Sunday through their X platform, stating: “Best coach of #Paris2024 Women’s Basketball, Rene Wakama, Nigeria.”
At just 32 years old, Wakama led D’Tigress to their historic first quarterfinals appearance at the Olympic Games, where they secured a remarkable 79-70 victory over Canada.
Although the team’s journey ended in the quarterfinals with an 88-74 defeat against the eventual gold medalists, the United States, D’Tigress left a significant mark on the competition. They were the only African team, among both men’s and women’s categories, to reach the final 16.
Wakama also made history as the first coach of the Nigerian National Women’s Basketball Team to secure the Afrobasket title since its inception in 1966. Under her guidance, D’Tigress defeated Senegal 84-74 in the final, making Nigeria only the second nation to win the title four consecutive times.
In addition to Wakama’s recognition, D’Tigress’ point guard, Ezinne Kalu, a three-time Afrobasket champion, was named to the All-Second Team of the Olympics Women’s Basketball. The All-Star Five of the tournament included A’ja Wilson (USA), Gabby Williams (France), Breanna Stewart (USA), Alanna Smith (Australia), and Emma Meesseman (Belgium).
A’ja Wilson was awarded the tournament’s MVP, with Jade Melbourne (Australia) receiving the Rising Star award, and Gabby Williams (France) taking home the Best Defensive Player honor.
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