Rena Wakama, the dynamic coach of Nigeria’s D’Tigress, is rapidly becoming a celebrated figure in the world of women’s basketball. Born on April 11, 1992, in Raleigh, North Carolina, Wakama’s journey from a collegiate athlete to an international coach underscores her dedication and expertise.
Wakama’s parents, Johnson Wakama and Rosana Oba, hail from Okrika in Rivers State, Nigeria, grounding her deeply in Nigerian heritage. She attended Western Carolina University, graduating in 2014 with a Bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation. During her college years, she played four seasons with the university’s women’s basketball team, the “Catamounts,” where she honed her skills and built a foundation for her future in basketball.
Following her graduation, Wakama’s transition from player to coach was seamless. She joined D’Tigress in 2015 and traveled with the team to Cameroon for the 2015 Women’s Afrobasket competition, where Nigeria secured a commendable third-place finish. This experience was pivotal, providing her with valuable insights into high-level competition.
Her competitive edge was further sharpened when she played for Nigeria’s First Bank team at the FIBA Africa Champions Cup for Women. This stint exposed her to rigorous international standards and enriched her understanding of the game.
Wakama’s coaching career took a significant leap when she moved to Manhattan College. She began as the operations director for the women’s basketball team and was soon promoted to assistant coach by her third year. In this role, Wakama developed her coaching acumen, managing both academic and volunteer responsibilities. Her strategic mindset and leadership qualities were evident as she navigated the complexities of college basketball.
Last Saturday, Wakama achieved a monumental milestone by leading D’Tigress to a stunning victory over the world’s third-best women’s basketball team, Australia, with a score of 75-62 at the ongoing Olympic Games. This victory not only showcased her tactical brilliance but also positioned Nigeria as a formidable force in international women’s basketball.
