Nigeria’s Rena Wakama Named Best Female Basketball Coach of Paris 2024 Olympics

Rena Wakama, head coach of Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, has been recognized as the best female basketball coach at the Paris 2024 Olympics. The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) made the announcement on Saturday via X, formerly known as Twitter.

Wakama, who made history as the first Nigerian female basketball coach, led D’Tigress to the quarter-finals in Paris—marking the first time an African team, male or female, has reached this stage in Olympic basketball. Although the team eventually lost to Team USA with a score of 74-88, Wakama’s strategic leadership garnered significant praise, leading to her recognition by FIBA.

Wakama’s journey to this achievement began in June 2023, when she was appointed as head coach amid skepticism due to her limited international experience. At just 32 years old, she defied expectations and steered the Nigerian team to a record-breaking performance at the Olympics.

Despite initial doubts, the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) stood by its decision to appoint Wakama, promoting her as a former D’Tigress player and a promising leader for the team. Her success at the Paris Olympics has not only silenced critics but also set a new benchmark for African basketball on the global stage.