Credit score: FIBA/Instagram
Rena Wakama, head coach of Nigeria’s senior ladies’s basketball crew, D’Tigress, has been named the Finest Coach of the 2024 Summer season Olympics in Paris, by the Worldwide Basketball Federation (FIBA).
At simply 32 years previous, Rena is the one first feminine Nigerian basketball coach and likewise one of many youngest coaches in Olympic historical past. Beneath her management, D’Tigress achieved historic milestones, advancing to the Olympic quarterfinals for the primary time ever.
D’Tigress made a press release from the beginning, defeating the Opals of Australia—ranked third globally—in a surprising 75-62 victory on the opening day. This win marked their first Olympic sport victory in 20 years, following their 68-64 conquer South Korea in Athens 2004.
Their momentum continued as they upset fifth-ranked Canada with a 79-70 rating, making historical past as the primary African crew to compete within the Olympic quarterfinals and secure two wins on the Video games.
Although their outstanding run ended within the quarterfinals towards the US, D’Tigress put up a fierce combat till the ultimate whistle.
FIBA recognised Wakama’s management as a key think about Nigeria’s unprecedented success, calling it “essentially the most impactful efficiency by an African crew in Olympic Basketball Event historical past.” FIBA added, “One of many essential drivers of Nigeria’s unprecedented success was the management of playcaller Rena Wakama.”
