Rena Wakama made history during the 2024 Paris Olympics. She was the first female coach to lead the Nigeria women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, to a major tournament. Wakama was the first African country to reach the quarter-finals in the Olympics: basketball, men and women.
For this, the Federation of Basketball Africa (FIBA) named her the Coach of the Year. Before the event, she wasn’t the most high-profile coach, but now that she’s known, we review her journey.
Become an insider. Subscribe to our newsletter for more top trending stories like this!
People Also Read: Team USA Men’s Basketball Olympics 2024: 12 Hoopers Going for Olympic Glory in Paris
If you are interested in sports graphic design, visit Envato Placeit to make the designs you enjoy.
Rena’s Wakama’s Journey to Basketball Glory
Rena Wakama was born on 11 April 1992 in Raleigh, California. Her cousin, Onimisi Aiyede, introduced her to basketball. She attended Wake Forest Rolesville High School, where she was named Cap-7 Most Valuable Player, McDonalds High School All-American nominee. She earned All-District First Team and All-State First Team honors. In 2010, she joined Western Carolina University and played for the Catamounts!
During the four years, she played 121 games, receiving Second Team Southern Conference All-Tournament honors and was a three-time SoCon Academic Team honoree. In 2014, Wakama became a pro basketball player under FIBA Africa, representing Nigeria. As a Nigerian player, Wakama featured at the Africa Champions Cup, and the Women’s AfroBasket tournament.
She’s no slouch when it comes to education. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation and followed it with an MBA from Manhattan College.
People Also Read: 8 Best NFL Wide Receivers of All Time Die Hard Fans Remember
If you want to play basketball virtually, get a video game console on BestBuy.
From Player to Coach
In 2017, Rena Wakama switched roles from playing to management. In her first position, she worked as the Director of Basketball Operations at Manhattan College in her first two years, before becoming the assistant coach and Recruiting Coordinator for the team, for the next four years.
Four years later, in July 2023, she worked as an assistant coach at Stony Brook. They went 28-5, reaching the second round of the Women’s Basketball Invitational Tournament, after winning the Coastal Athletic Association regular season title with a 16-2 record. In April 2024, Rena joined the Tulane women’s basketball staff as an Assistant Coach.
By June 2023, the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) hired Rena Wakama as the head coach of the country’s women’s national basketball team, making her the first woman to hold the position. In her first tournament, the Rwanda AfroBasket 2023, she led D’Tigress to the title and was the first woman to do this.
People Also Read: Black Excellence: 8 Best Olympians of All Time That Will Inspire You
Get a basketball hoop on Amazon.
Impact of D’Tigress
Nigeria qualified for the Paris Olympics. They won their first game, defeating the third-ranked nation, Australia. This was their first victory against the Aussies in 20 years. However, the D’Tigress lost against France. However, they came back strongly, beating Canada 79-71.
Become an insider. Subscribe to our newsletter for more top trending stories like this!
Nigeria women’s basketball became the first African nation, men or women, to play in the Olympics basketball quarterfinals. FIBA recognized her as the Coach of the Year for leading Nigeria to the quarter-finals.
Join our Spotcovery Global Black Community Facebook Group for early access to exclusive content and to share in a lively discussion.
You can get several quality basketball balls at Walmart.
Proving Critics Wrong
When Rena Wakama was appointed the coach of the D’Tigress, some questioned the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) decision. Critics argued she wasn’t the right person for the job because of her limited success as a player.
“I read a couple of negative comments, but that’s none of my business because I know I am here for a good reason, and that reason will soon reveal itself,” Wakama said.
In addition to that, she decided to scout for fresh talent ahead of the AfroBasket tournament in Rwanda. This led to internal divisions, with some players boycotting the team and others retiring. Despite that, Wakama went on and led the team to the AfroBasket Championship, becoming the first woman to win the competition since 1996.
“I knew I wanted to be a coach because it’s my calling. I knew that was my journey; I knew I had more impact organising a team, so I wanted to start early,” she said.
People Also Read: How Much Do Olympians Make? Bonuses, Sponsorships and More
Get a sports water bottle at Target.
Final word
Rena Wakama silenced her critics with her achievements, as they can no longer question her credentials. She has united the team and led them to heights they have never achieved before. It can only get better from here and who knows, perhaps we might see Wakama work in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA).
Nearly 80% of consumers visit directories with reviews to find a local business. List your business for free in our exclusive Spotcovery Black-Owned Business Directory.
Spotcovery offers unique and fresh daily content on Black culture, lifestyle, and experiences. We talk about everything black, black people, black-owned and black-owned businesses. We also deliver authentic and relevant content that will inform, inspire, and empower you! The future of black media is critical to today’s black experience! Our primary audience includes African Americans, Africans, Afro-Caribbean, and people of African heritage. Black culture is for the culture!
Become an insider. Subscribe to our newsletter for more top trending stories like this!
