President Bola Tinubu has extended his congratulations to Rena Wakama, head coach of Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, for being named the Best Coach of Women’s Basketball at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
This prestigious recognition by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) underscores Wakama’s outstanding leadership and commitment to excellence.
Under the 32-year-old coach’s stewardship, D’Tigress achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first African basketball team, male or female, to reach the quarter-finals of the Olympic Games.
The team delivered an impressive performance, including a stunning win over world number three Australia in their opening game and a notable victory against world number five Canada in their final group match.
Although they were eventually defeated by the USA in the quarter-finals, D’Tigress’ journey to the last eight showcased Wakama’s strategic brilliance and the team’s resilience.
President Tinubu praised the coach, the team, and everyone involved in this unprecedented achievement, urging them to stay resilient and strive for further greatness.
The President emphasized that while winning medals is a key goal in competitive sports, the values of sportsmanship, discipline, and sacrifice demonstrated by the Nigerian athletes are equally commendable.
He expressed his gratitude to the team and wished them continued success in their future endeavors.
Wakama’s accolade is particularly remarkable as she is also the first Nigerian female coach to win the women’s Afrobasket title since the tournament’s inception in 1966.
Her recognition as the Best Coach at the Paris 2024 Olympics highlights her exceptional leadership and the promising future of Nigerian basketball.
