Abuja – President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Ms. Rena Wakama, coach of the Nigerian women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, on her recognition as the best coach of women’s basketball at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
In a statement released by his spokesman, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, on Monday, President Tinubu commended Wakama’s leadership qualities and dedication to excellence, which earned her the prestigious recognition from the International Basketball Federation (FIBA).
The President also praised the D’Tigress team for their spectacular performance at the Olympics, becoming the first African basketball team to reach the quarterfinals. He encouraged them to remain resilient and determined for greatness, emphasizing the importance of good sportsmanship, discipline, and sacrifice.
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President Tinubu thanked the Nigerian contingent for their achievements and wished them success in their future endeavors.
Rena Wakama, a 32-year-old coach of Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, was named the best coach at the Paris 2024 Olympics by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) . Here are some highlights of her achievement:
- Historic milestones: Under Wakama’s leadership, D’Tigress achieved historic milestones, advancing to the Olympic quarterfinals for the first time ever.
- First female Nigerian basketball coach: Wakama is the only first female Nigerian basketball coach and also one of the youngest coaches in Olympic history.
- Impactful performance: FIBA recognized Wakama’s leadership as a key factor in Nigeria’s unprecedented success, calling it “the most impactful performance by an African team in Olympic Basketball Tournament history.”
- Wins against top teams: D’Tigress made a statement from the start, defeating the Opals of Australia (ranked third globally) and upsetting fifth-ranked Canada, making history as the first African team to compete in the Olympic quarterfinals and secure two wins at the Games.
