Rena Wakama is a pioneering figure in Nigerian basketball, both as a coach and former player. Born on April 11, 1992, in Raleigh, North Carolina, she developed a passion for basketball at a young age, influenced by her cousin.

Wakama played college basketball for the Western Carolina Catamounts and later represented Nigeria in the 2015 Women's AfroBasket tournament. Her love for the game extended beyond playing, leading her to a career in coaching.

After her playing days, Wakama transitioned into coaching, where she made significant strides. She served as the Director of Women's Basketball Operations and later as an assistant coach at Manhattan College. Her coaching abilities and leadership skills were evident, paving the way for her historic appointment in 2023 as the first female head coach of Nigeria's Senior Women's Basketball Team, D'Tigress.

Under Wakama's guidance, D'Tigress reached new heights, including winning the FIBA AfroBasket Women's competition and becoming the first African team to qualify for the quarterfinals in basketball at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

Her outstanding achievements earned her the Best Coach of the Tournament by FIBA, solidifying her place as a trailblazer in basketball.

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