When the curtain falls on the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, fans and teams around the world can cheer knowing that the prestigious competition has lived up to its expectations.
For Africa, the Nigerian women’s team and the South Sudanese national team made basketball history. In particular, the Nigerian women’s team reached the quarterfinals, becoming the first African nation (men or women) to do so in Olympic basketball.
This historic success for the West African country was largely due to the tactical brilliance of Rene Wakama, the youngest coach in the competition and one of the youngest in Olympic history. Her strategic decisions and tactical approach led to Nigeria’s women’s basketball team making history at the Games.
Here are five things you should know about the 32-year-old who was named the best coach of the women’s national team at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris:
Has a Bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation from Western Carolina University
Although Wakama is Nigerian and has her roots in Okrika, Rivers State, she was born in Raleigh, North Carolina to Johnson Wakama and Rosana Oba. She continued her education in the United States where she graduated while playing basketball at Western Carolina University, while harboring dreams of returning to Nigeria and making a difference.
Master’s degree in Business Administration from Manhattan College
Wakama also earned an MBA from Manhattan College, where she spent two years before officially assuming the role of head coach of the Nigerian women’s basketball team D’Tigress. During her time at Manhattan College, she served as director of women’s basketball activities and as an assistant coach, nurturing talent while balancing her academic goals.
The first African coach to reach the quarterfinals in Olympic basketball
At the 2024 Paris Olympics, Wakama became the first African coach to lead a team to the quarterfinals in Olympic basketball, where they eventually lost to the reigning champions, the United States. She was also named the best coach in the women’s tournament, beating world champions such as Australia and Canada.
The first female head coach of the Nigerian women’s basketball team
In 2023, Wakama became the first female head coach of the Nigerian women’s basketball team. Despite initial doubts about her leadership ability, Wakama has made history for both Nigeria and Africa in just 18 months.
Led Nigeria to victory in the FIBA AfroBasket women’s tournament
Wakama also led Nigeria to its sixth FIBA AfroBasket women’s title, the country’s first since 2021, marking its fourth consecutive victory in the tournament.
Her passion for basketball and her commitment to her country at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games have filled many people across the continent with hope, knowing that a podium finish for African teams on the biggest stage in global sport is in sight.
