ANOCA to honour D’Tigress coach Wakama as Africa’s best

By Olaolu Joseph

Following Nigeria’s impressive performance at the Paris Olympics, D’Tigress head coach Rena Wakama has been named Africa’s Best Coach.

Wakama led the Nigerian women’s basketball team to the quarterfinals, securing an 8th-place finish—their highest Olympic ranking ever.

The team made history with a 75-62 victory over Australia and a 79-70 win against Canada before falling 88-74 to the U.S. in the quarterfinals.

Despite the loss, it remains Nigeria’s best Olympic achievement in both men’s and women’s basketball.

In recognition of her accomplishments, Wakama will receive an award from the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA).

According to a letter from ANOCA President Mustapha Berraf, communicated through Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) President Engr. Habu Gumel, Wakama will be among the honorees at the ANOCA Elective General Assembly.

“I, therefore, have the honour to inform you that on the sidelines of this important assembly, an award ceremony will take place for the most deserving African sports laureates, who have distinguished themselves both at the continental and world levels,” the letter stated.

The award ceremony will be held during the ANOCA Elective General Assembly in Algiers on March 17, 2025.