In a moment of national pride, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has celebrated the extraordinary achievement of Rena Wakama, head coach of Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, following her recognition as the Best Coach of Women’s Basketball at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
The accolade, awarded by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), marks a significant milestone not just for Wakama, but for Nigeria as a whole, as D’Tigress became the first African basketball team to advance to the quarter-finals in Olympic history.
President Tinubu, in his official statement, highlighted this achievement as a breakthrough that underscores Nigeria’s growing prominence on the global sports stage.
“This is more than an individual triumph for Coach Rena Wakama; it’s a victory for all of Nigeria. Her recognition by FIBA is a reflection of the hard work, skill, and determination she has instilled in our team, propelling them to new heights on the world stage,” President Tinubu remarked.
Wakama, at just 32, has quickly established herself as a formidable figure in international basketball, and her success at the Paris Games is seen as a beacon of hope and inspiration for young athletes and coaches across the continent.
Under her leadership, D’Tigress not only shattered records but also challenged the traditional powerhouses of women’s basketball, showing that Africa can compete at the highest levels.
The President’s message also emphasized the broader significance of this recognition, noting that while winning is the goal of any competitive sport, the values of sportsmanship, discipline, and resilience are what truly define greatness.
He called on the D’Tigress team to continue striving for excellence, reminding them that their success is not just measured in trophies, but in the pride they bring to their nation.
“Coach Wakama and her team have set a new standard for what is possible in Nigerian sports. Their story is one of inspiration and a reminder that with determination and hard work, there are no limits to what we can achieve,” President Tinubu said.
As the nation celebrates this historic recognition, there is a palpable sense of anticipation for what lies ahead for D’Tigress and Nigerian sports.
With Wakama at the helm, the future looks bright, and the world is beginning to take notice of Nigeria’s potential to be a dominant force in international basketball.