Rena Wakama named best female Basketball Coach at Paris 2024 Olympics

Rena Wakama, head coach of Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, has been honored as the Best Female Basketball Coach during the Paris 2024 Olympics.

The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) announced the recognition on Sunday via their X platform, stating, “Best coach of #Paris2024 Women’s Basketball, Rene Wakama, Nigeria.”

At just 32, Wakama led D’Tigress to their historic first quarterfinal appearance at the Olympic Games, securing a remarkable 79-70 victory over Canada. Although the team’s journey ended in the quarterfinals with an 88-74 defeat against the eventual gold medalists, the United States, D’Tigress made a significant impact by being the only African team, in both men’s and women’s categories, to reach the final 16.

Wakama also made history as the first coach of the Nigerian National Women’s Basketball Team to secure the Afrobasket title since its inception in 1966. Under her leadership, D’Tigress defeated Senegal 84-74 in the final, making Nigeria only the second nation to win the title four consecutive times.

In addition to Wakama’s recognition, D’Tigress’ point guard, Ezinne Kalu, a three-time Afrobasket champion, was named to the All-Second Team of the Olympics Women’s Basketball. The All-Star Five of the tournament included A’ja Wilson (USA), Gabby Williams (France), Breanna Stewart (USA), Alanna Smith (Australia), and Emma Meesseman (Belgium).

A’ja Wilson received the tournament’s MVP award, Jade Melbourne (Australia) was named the Rising Star, and Gabby Williams (France) was honored as the Best Defensive Player.