15 Things to Know About Rena Wakama

1. Rena Wakama, born on April 11, 1992, in Raleigh, North Carolina, is a Nigerian professional basketball coach and former player. Her parents, Johnson Wakama and Rosana Oba, are from Okrika, Rivers State, Nigeria.
2. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation from Western Carolina University and a master’s degree in Business Administration from Manhattan College.
3. Wakama played for the Western Carolina Catamounts women’s basketball team during her time at WCU.
4. She joined the Nigerian women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, in 2015 and played in the 2015 Women’s Afrobasket tournament in Cameroon, where Nigeria finished third.
5. Wakama also represented Nigeria’s First Bank at the FIBA Africa Champions Cup for Women during her career as a player.
6. She served as the director of women’s basketball operations at Manhattan College for two years before becoming an assistant coach.
7. In 2023, she became the first female Head Coach of D’Tigress, leading them to a historic victory in the 2023 Women’s Afrobasket Championship.
8. Wakama is the first female coach to win the FIBA Afrobasket competition since its inception in 1966.
9. She has also worked as an assistant coach at Tulane University and previously at Stony Brook.
10. Wakama was appointed as the head coach of D’Tigress just two weeks before the 2023 FIBA Afrobasket Championship, where she led the team to victory.
11. She played a crucial role in developing the team’s strategy and team chemistry, despite the absence of key players due to the tryouts.
12. Wakama’s leadership and strategic acumen led the team to a historic victory, making her the first female coach to win the FIBA Afrobasket competition.
13. She has been recognized for her contributions to the sport and her ability to scout for young talents both locally and internationally.
14. Wakama is known for her dedication to the sport and her ability to inspire and motivate her players.
15. She continues to make a significant impact on the world of basketball and is considered a trailblazer for women in the sport.

Rena Wakama: The Nigerian Basketball Coach Making History at the Paris Olympics

Rena Wakama, the head coach of the Nigerian women’s basketball team, has been making waves at the 2024 Paris Olympics. In their opening game, the Nigerian team, D’Tigress, pulled off a stunning upset against Australia, winning 75-62. This victory marked Nigeria’s first win in Olympic women’s basketball since 2004.

Wakama, who became the first female coach to win the Women’s AfroBasket Championship in 2023, has been instrumental in leading the Nigerian team to success. Her coaching style, which emphasizes toughness and physicality, has helped the team establish a strong identity on the court.

The Nigerian team’s victory over Australia was particularly impressive given the difference in rankings. Australia, ranked third in the world, was considered a heavy favorite against Nigeria, ranked 12th. However, Nigeria’s strong defensive performance and clutch shooting from players like Ezinne Kalu and Amy Okonkwo proved to be the difference-makers.

Wakama’s leadership has been crucial in helping the Nigerian team overcome various challenges. The team had a difficult start to the Olympics, including being denied access to the country’s boat during the opening ceremony. However, Wakama has been able to keep the team focused and motivated, leading them to a historic win.

As the Nigerian team continues its Olympic journey, all eyes will be on Wakama and her players. With their strong start and Wakama’s leadership, D’Tigress has the potential to make a deep run in the tournament and continue making history on the global stage.