Rena Wakama, the head coach of Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, has been recognized as the Best African Coach following the team’s remarkable performance at the last Olympic Games in Paris.
Under Wakama’s leadership, D’Tigress made history by reaching the quarterfinals, securing an impressive 8th-place finish—their highest-ever Olympic ranking.
Along the way, they recorded notable victories, defeating Australia 75-62 in the preliminary rounds and overcoming Canada 79-70 to advance further.
Despite a hard-fought 88-74 loss to the U.S. in the quarterfinals, the team’s achievements marked Nigeria’s best-ever performance in both the men’s and women’s Olympic basketball campaigns.
In recognition of her outstanding contribution, Wakama has been invited to receive her award at the ANOCA Elective General Assembly, scheduled to take place from March 15 to 17, 2025, in Algiers.
According to a letter from ANOCA President Mustafa Ibaraf, conveyed through Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) President Engr. Habu Gumel, Wakama will be among the distinguished honorees at the event.
“I, therefore, have the honor to inform you that on the sidelines of this important assembly, an award ceremony will take place for the most deserving African sports laureates, who have distinguished themselves both at the continental and world levels,” the letter stated.
This recognition further cements Wakama’s status as one of Africa’s top basketball coaches, celebrating her role in elevating Nigerian basketball to new heights.
