By: Joy Musa
In just two years, Coach Rena Wakama has redefined the trajectory of Nigerian women’s basketball, etching her name into the annals of global sports history. Appointed in 2023 as the first female head coach of Nigeria’s national women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, Wakama has delivered a string of unprecedented achievements that have elevated both her team and African basketball to new heights.
Under Wakama’s leadership, D’Tigress clinched back-to-back Afrobasket titles in 2023 and 2025, making her the first female coach to win the championship since its inception in 1966. The 2025 victory in Côte d’Ivoire marked Nigeria’s fifth consecutive Afrobasket title and seventh overall, solidifying their status as Africa’s most dominant women’s basketball team.
“She’s not just coaching a team, she’s building a legacy,” said a senior official from the Nigeria Basketball Federation.
Wakama’s crowning achievement came at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where she led D’Tigress to a historic quarterfinal berth, the first ever by any African basketball team male or female. Nigeria stunned global heavyweights, defeating Australia and Canada, and earned praise for their tenacious defense and tactical brilliance.
Her efforts earned her the prestigious title of Best Coach of the Paris 2024 Olympic Basketball Tournament, awarded by FIBA.
“I pushed my girls harder than anyone can imagine,” Wakama said after the win against Canada. “We showed the world who we are.”
Beyond the accolades, Wakama’s leadership has inspired a new generation of African athletes and coaches. Her journey from a former D’Tigress player to a globally recognized coach embodies resilience, vision, and the power of representation.
With her at the helm, D’Tigress has not only dominated Africa but also earned global respect, proving that African teams can compete and win on the world stage.
As Nigeria prepares for the next FIBA Women’s World Cup qualifiers, Wakama’s legacy continues to grow. Her story is a beacon for aspiring female coaches and a testament to what’s possible when talent meets opportunity.
