When Rena Wakama stepped into the head coach role for Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, the D’Tigress, in June 2023, few could have predicted the extraordinary success that would follow. Yet, less than one year later, she made history as the first female coach ever to win an AfroBasket title, and then followed up with an unprecedented second consecutive championship in 2025.
A Remarkable Rise
Born on April 11, 1992, in Raleigh, North Carolina, to Nigerian parents from Okrika, Rivers State, Rena discovered her love for basketball early. At Western Carolina University, she played as a guard, earning Southern Conference All-Tournament recognition and maintaining high academic standards. She later earned an MBA from Manhattan College in 2019, combining education with her passion for sports.
After graduating, she played briefly for the D’Tigress in the 2015 AfroBasket tournament and continued her career in basketball both domestically and internationally. By 2017, she was working in the coaching and operations side of the sport—first as Director of Basketball Operations and then as assistant coach at Manhattan College, where she helped the team achieve impressive academic and community service records.
A Bold Appointment — Against All Odds
In June 2023, the Nigerian Basketball Federation (NBBF) appointed Wakama head coach of D’Tigress. She became the first woman ever to lead the team—and within a few weeks, she guided her squad to continental glory at AfroBasket 2023 in Kigali. Despite facing a short preparation window, dropout of veteran players, and criticism from skeptics, Rena led the team to victory over Senegal and created history.
Making Olympic & AfroBasket History
Under her leadership, D’Tigress not only won four straight AfroBasket titles but also made a seismic impact at the 2024 Paris Olympics. They beat Australia in a landmark win, defeated Canada, and became the first African basketball team to reach the quarter-finals at the Olympics—earning Wakama the “Best Coach” award by FIBA.
By 2025, Wakama elevated her legacy further—leading D’Tigress to their fifth consecutive AfroBasket title and becoming the first coach, male or female, to win back-to-back championships in the tournament’s history.
Leadership That Inspires
Her story captures more than wins—it represents leadership, resilience, and possibility. She showed that gender is no barrier and that a bold vision, hard work, and courage can rewrite the narrative of African sport.
From organizing open tryouts in multiple cities to building a dynamic roster with fresh talent, Wakama led D’Tigress through transformation—from perceived underdogs to continental champions. She paid no attention to noise or doubters; she focused on performance, unity, and legacy.
A Legacy Beyond the Court
Rena continues to break barriers off the court as well. In March 2025, she was named Assistant Coach of the Chicago Sky, joining the WNBA ranks after outstanding success with Nigeria internationally. Known for her strategic thinking, leadership, and a reputation for developing young talent, her appointment signals more recognition of her rising global profile.
At This is Nigeria, we celebrate Rena Wakama not only as a brilliant strategist and record-setting coach but as a symbol of Nigerian excellence and possibility. She represents a bold new era—where young people, and especially young women, can chart their own destinies and lead nations with grace and integrity.
“We are tough. It’s in our DNA… we don’t back down.” — Rena Wakama
A national hero. A pioneer. Nigeria salutes you, Coach Wakama.
