In a historic moment for Nigerian basketball, Rena Wakama, the head coach of the D’Tigress, has achieved a remarkable feat by guiding Nigeria to a 75-62 victory over world number three Australia at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games on July 29, 2024.
Wakama’s triumph is not only significant for its immediate impact but also for its place in the annals of D’Tigress history. The victory marks Nigeria’s first win at the Olympics in 20 years, underscoring Wakama’s profound influence on the team.
Who is Rena Wakama?
Early Life and Career
Rena Wakama is a native of Okrika in Rivers State, Nigeria who was born in Raleigh, North Carolina, the United States on April 11, 1992.
Rena Wakama’s father is known as Johnson Wakama and her mother’s name is Rosana Oba.
She graduated from Western Carolina University in 2014 with a Bachelor’s degree in therapeutic recreation. During her days at the University, Wakama served with the school’s women’s basketball team, known as “Catamounts.”
Rena Wakama was introduced to basketball at a young age by her cousin, Onimisi Aiyede. Her passion for the sport grew as she played through high school and then at the University of Western Carolina (WSU), where she was a standout player for the Catamounts.
Wakama’s playing career, though brief, included a stint with the D’Tigress and First Bank in Nigeria. Her real calling, however, emerged in coaching. After a brief period with Manhattan College, she transitioned to coaching roles that would eventually lead her to the Nigerian Basketball Federation (NBBF).
Coaching Journey
Wakama’s appointment as the head coach of the D’Tigress came in June 2023, just a month before the Women’s Afrobasket tournament in Rwanda. Despite skepticism and criticism about her relative inexperience compared to her predecessor, Otis Hughley, Wakama embraced the challenge with determination.
Her appointment was followed by open tryouts across major cities to scout new talent, leading to a significant reshuffling of the team. With several key players retiring or not making the squad, Wakama was tasked with building a competitive team from a depleted roster.
Afrobasket Triumph
Against the odds, Wakama led the D’Tigress to victory at the 2023 Women’s Afrobasket, making history as the first female coach to win the tournament since its inception in 1966. Under her leadership, Nigeria defeated Senegal 84-74 in the final, securing their place as the only team to win the Afrobasket title four times in a row.
Paris 2024 Olympics
The Paris 2024 Olympics presented a new challenge. Nigeria’s opening game against Australia a team ranked third globally, was a test of resilience and strategy.
After trailing by eight points in the first quarter, Wakama’s tactical adjustments helped the team turn the tide. With a standout performance by Ezinne Kalu, who scored 19 points, Nigeria took control and held off a fierce comeback attempt by Australia.
Legacy and Impact
Aged 32, Wakama’s achievements with the D’Tigress have redefined Nigerian women’s basketball. Her ability to galvanize a team under pressure and achieve historic victories has cemented her legacy as one of the sport’s most influential figures.
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