The Head coach of Nigeria’s national women’s basketball team, the D’Tigress, Rena Wakama, has been honoured by the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) as the Best Basketball Coach.
This accolade, in remarkable recognition of Wakama’s coaching prowess, followed her outstanding performance during the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
The 33-year-old Wakama has been invited to receive her award at a special ceremony organised by ANOCA on the sidelines of the its Elective General Assembly, scheduled for March 15 to March 17, 2025, in Algiers, Algeria.
President of ANOCA, Mr. Mustafa Berraf, communicated this honour through Engr. Habu Gumel, president of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), emphasising Wakama’s distinguished achievements in the sport.
Under Wakama’s guidance, the D’Tigress made history by reaching the quarterfinals of the Olympic tournament for the first time, finishing with an impressive 8th place ranking.
The team showcased their talent and determination, notably defeating Australia 75-62 in the preliminary rounds and overcoming Canada 79-70 to secure their place in the quarterfinals.
Although they faced a tough challenge against the United States, losing 88-74, the D’Tigress’s performance marked a significant milestone in Nigerian basketball.
The upcoming award ceremony will celebrate not only Wakama, but other deserving African sports laureates who have excelled on both continental and global stages.
The event reflects ANOCA’s commitment to honouring the contributions of African athletes and coaches to the world of sports.
As the sporting community prepares for this prestigious gathering, Wakama’s achievement stands as a testament to her dedication and the growing prominence of women’s basketball in Africa.
