Rena Wakama: D’Tigress Record-Breaking Coach 

When Rena Wakama arrived in Kigali for the AfroBasket Women’s Championship in 2023, she wasn’t just preparing for another tournament, she was stepping into uncharted territory. Nigeria’s women’s team, D’Tigress, had been on a winning run, but this was the first time in the team’s history that a woman was calling the shots from the sidelines. Less than two weeks later, Wakama had delivered a double milestone: guiding D’Tigress to their fourth straight title and becoming the first female head coach to lift the AfroBasket trophy.

Born in Raleigh, North Carolina, to Nigerian parents, Wakama’s connection to the game started young. She played college basketball at Western Carolina University, where she was known as a sharp-shooting guard with a stubborn defensive streak. She wasn’t the tallest or the most flamboyant player, but she made her mark by chasing down rebounds, directing traffic on the court, and staying locked in under pressure. Qualities that would later define her coaching style.

Her move into coaching came naturally. After college, Wakama joined the staff at Manhattan College in New York, working in player development and scouting. Those who worked with her recall how she could spend hours dissecting game footage, looking for small openings that others overlooked. She combined patience with high expectations, pushing players to improve without losing sight of the bigger picture.

When the Nigerian Basketball Federation called in 2023, Wakama stepped into a role that carried both opportunity and intense pressure. The team had a reputation to protect, and her appointment brought questions about her experience. She answered them with action, introducing fresh tactical plays, tightening the defense, and making sure each player understood their role. In the final against Senegal, her timely substitutions and in-game adjustments kept Nigeria ahead, sealing an 84–74 victory.

Beyond the title and the record, Wakama’s achievement has a ripple effect. For young girls across Africa watching from stands or screens, her presence on the sideline proves that leadership in sports can look different and still win. She didn’t just take the job; she set a new standard for what’s possible.