DTigress Head Coach, Rena Wakama has been honored as the Best Coach in the women’s basketball event at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
Wakama, who previously made history as the first coach to lead the Nigerian National Female Basketball Team to an Afrobasket title since the competition’s inception in 1966, achieved another milestone by guiding D’Tigress to the quarter-finals of the Olympic tournament for the first time in the team’s history. This accomplishment also marked the first time any African team, male or female, reached that stage of the competition.
Despite their eventual exit from the tournament with a 74-88 loss to World Number One, the United States, Wakama’s leadership was recognized internationally. The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) tweeted on Sunday evening, “Best coach of #Paris2024 Women’s Basketball, Rena Wakama, Nigeria.”
In addition to Wakama’s accolade, D’Tigress’ point guard, Ezinne Kalu, earned a spot on the All-Second Team of the Olympics Women’s Basketball.
Wakama, who became the first female head coach of D’Tigress in 2023, previously served as the director of women’s basketball operations and later as an assistant coach. She played a crucial role in talent development and served as the team’s academics and community service liaison.
