- Rena Wakama led D’Tigress to the Olympic quarter-finals for the first time in history
- Wakama received international recognition for her coaching excellence as a result
- Netizens react to the latest D’Tigress honour
Rena Wakama made a historic impact at the Paris 2024 Olympics by leading Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, to an unprecedented quarter-finals appearance.
This milestone not only marks Nigeria’s debut at this stage but also sets a new precedent for African teams in the world of Olympic basketball.
Wakama receives international recognition
In a historic moment for African basketball, 32-year-old Rena Wakama led Nigeria's women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, to their first-ever appearance in the Olympic quarter-finals at the Paris 2024 Games.
This achievement represents the first time any African team, male or female, has reached this stage in Olympic basketball history.
Although Nigeria fell to Team USA with a score of 74-88, Wakama's remarkable leadership and strategic acumen throughout the tournament were highly praised.
Her exceptional performance earned her the title of Paris 2024’s Best Female Coach, as determined by FIBA officials.
Wakama’s composed approach and tactical skill were crucial to Nigeria's success, guiding her team through a series of notable victories that captured global attention.
Under her stewardship, D’Tigress won their opening game against Australia, marking their initial Group phase triumph.
They then secured another groundbreaking win over Canada, becoming the first African team to achieve two victories at the Olympic Games and advance to the knockout rounds.
FIBA highlighted Wakama’s achievements on its website, noting her as delivering "the most impactful performance by an African team in history" in Olympic basketball.
This award reflects her rising prominence in the coaching field and the considerable impact she has made on the game in just a short time.
Even though Team USA, which went on to win gold by defeating France in the final, ended Nigeria’s run, Wakama’s accomplishments have made a profound impression on the international basketball community, solidifying her reputation as a prominent coach.
Netizens react to latest D’Tigress announcement
The recent announcement regarding Rena Wakama of D’Tigress, Nigeria’s women’s basketball coach, has sparked a flurry of reactions across social media platforms as congratulatory messages fork in from different parts of the world.
Below are some of the reactions.
“Rena Wakama is the Best Coach of Women’s Basketball,” @naaser_120 mentioned.
“We love you, Rena. ❤️🇳🇬,” @iam_ohajuobed commented.
“Nigeria didn't win any medal at the Olympics but got this. I'm happy,” @saasmanizy mentioned.
“Naija no dey carry last!” @MTMyMyMy stated.
“Very well deserved 🙌🏻 She is the proper definition of beauty and brain! Congratulations Rena, better luck next time!” @am_Obinna exclaimed.
Paris Olympics 2024: American gymnast Jordan Chiles’ bronze medal revoked over technicalities
Previously, TheRadar reported that American gymnast Jordan Chiles lost her bronze medal in the floor exercise following a decision by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). The CAS found that Chiles' appeal was submitted four seconds after the permitted one-minute window.
Consequently, her score has been adjusted from 13.766 to her original 13.666. This score was now lower than that of Romania’s Ana Barbosu, who achieved a 13.700, securing third place. CAS therefore instructed the Federation of International Gymnastics (FIG) to “determine the rankings of the floor exercise and assign the medal(s) in accordance with the (CAS) decision.”
