Rena Wakama, head coach of Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, has been recognized as the best coach of the tournament at the Paris 2024 Olympics. This prestigious recognition was announced by the Fédération Internationale de Basketball (FIBA) following the conclusion of the event, where the USA defeated France to secure their eighth consecutive medal in the men’s category.
Wakama, 32, led D’Tigress to a historic performance, marking the best achievement by any African team—male or female—in the history of the Olympic Basketball Tournament. The team reached the quarterfinals, an unprecedented feat for an African nation.
During the Women’s Olympic Basketball tournament, D’Tigress defeated Australia in their opening game and triumphed over Canada with a 79-70 victory, despite a 54-75 loss to host nation France. The team eventually fell to the USA in the quarterfinals with a score of 88-74.
Under Wakama’s leadership, D’Tigress made history as the first African team, male or female, to advance to the quarterfinal stage of an Olympic Basketball event.
