In an impressive reversal of fortune, Rena Wakama has effectively addressed the doubts of her critics and surpassed expectations in her role as the head coach of the Nigerian women’s basketball team, D’Tigress.
Appointed in June 2023 amidst considerable skepticism due to
her limited experience on the international stage, Wakama has since broken
records and made significant strides in the sport.
Detractors had numerous reasons to question her appointment.
In promoting what they termed the “best choice” at that time, the Nigeria
Basketball Federation (NBBF) highlighted Wakama's background as a former player
for D’Tigress.
In accordance with the NBBF, Wakama’s selection was
well-considered due to her extensive experience as a previous national team
player representing Nigeria.
However, opponents of the appointment promptly presented
statistics indicating that Wakama primarily served as a supporting player and
did not make any noteworthy contributions to the national team during her
playing career.
“I read quite a couple of negative comments on the internet, but that’s none of my business because I do know I am here for a good reason, and that reason will soon reveal itself,” Wakama said in an interview with Vanguard newspaper after she emerged as the youngest and first female coach of D’Tigress.
For those who assessed the appointment with an impartial
perspective, Wakama possessed numerous advantages at a remarkably young age.
She was a four-year letterman at the University of Western
Carolina, played professional basketball in the United Kingdom, and held the
position of Assistant Coach at Stony Brook University.
Despite her impressive credentials, which included a
Bachelor’s degree in therapeutic recreation from Western Carolina, earned in
2014, and an MBA from Manhattan, completed in 2019, some skeptics within the
Nigerian basketball community were not entirely convinced by the selection of
Wakama.
“There was a prevailing sentiment that Wakama was
inexperienced and could not measure up to the capabilities of Otis Hughley, who
had departed abruptly after leading D’Tigress through a successful era,”
recalled basketball enthusiast Segun Olamide.
Nevertheless, midway through her two-year contract, Wakama
has not only silenced her detractors but has also impressed those who believed
she was worthy of the opportunity.
Turbulent start
Following her appointment as Head Coach, Wakama faced a
pressing timeline to prepare a team capable of defending the AfroBasket title
in Rwanda.
Determined to implement her vision, she swiftly organized
trials in various locations, including colleges in the United States, Europe,
Lagos, and Abuja. These tryouts were designed to identify new talent for the
upcoming competition in Rwanda.
However, her initiative to include new players encountered
opposition from some veteran members of the D’Tigress, particularly those who
had contributed to the 2021 championship victory.
Some opted to boycott the trials, while others chose to
retire from international basketball, although a few have since reconsidered
their decisions.
Undaunted by the loss of key players, Wakama continued to
work with the new recruits and achieved significant success on the courts in
Rwanda, becoming the first female coach to win the competition since 1966.
Since that time, she has consistently set and broken records
in every tournament she has guided D’Tigress through, showcasing her remarkable
coaching abilities and solidifying her legacy in Nigerian basketball.
“I knew I wanted to be a coach. I knew that was my calling;
that was what I wanted to be.
I knew that was my journey; I knew I had more impact
organizing a team,” Wakama stated in an interview with Vanguard, reflecting on
her deep commitment to managerial roles at just over 30 years of age.
“When God puts something in your heart, you have to follow
it. I wanted to start early,” she further expressed.
D’Tigress Coaching Situation
During a conversation with PREMIUM TIMES, renowned
basketball expert Oluwafemi Adefeso commended Wakama for her skillful
management of the persistent coaching challenges surrounding the women’s
national basketball team.
Adefeso remarked, “The coaching situation for the D’Tigress
has been fraught with instability over the past decade. We have seen numerous
coaches, beginning with Mairo Fokasin in 2015, followed by Sam Vincent, who led
us to our inaugural AfroBasket title.
Unfortunately, he was dismissed, and Otis Hughley succeeded
him, achieving back-to-back championships before his departure due to financial
disputes.”
He further noted, “In spite of the coaching upheaval, the
players have remained the steadfast foundation of the team.”
Adefeso expressed initial doubts regarding Wakama's
appointment but acknowledged her prior experience with the team and her
background in continental basketball.
“She introduced a novel perspective and international
experience, which contributed to the team securing their first AfroBasket title
under her guidance. This not only enhanced the players’ confidence but also
fostered self-belief in Wakama.”
He continued, “When some players raised concerns about
financial matters and exited the team, Wakama successfully restructured the
roster, keeping a few seasoned players while integrating new talent.
Her performance has been commendable, and I am genuinely
pleased for her.
Her achievements can be attributed to inheriting a strong
team, having confidence in her abilities, and encouraging the players to
embrace her vision.
As a Nigerian coach, she has also demonstrated a remarkable
capacity to navigate the challenges posed by the NBBF's inadequate management,
a feat that would likely be daunting for coaches from other nations.”
Summary of accomplishments
Wakama's accomplishments are particularly remarkable
considering the brief period in which they have taken place.
Within a single year, she has guided D’Tigress to their
fourth consecutive AfroBasket title, secured the team's qualification for the
Olympics, and made history as the first female head coach to win an AfroBasket
Women’s championship and to lead an African team to an Olympic basketball
victory.
Consequently, D’Tigress became the first African team to
advance to the Olympic basketball quarterfinals, where they faced a defeat
against the top-ranked USA, who ultimately claimed the championship.
This success has propelled D’Tigress to the eighth position
in the latest FIBA rankings.
As the team reflects on their Olympic experience in Paris,
the global audience eagerly anticipates Wakama’s forthcoming endeavors.
Her influence extends beyond the basketball court,
illustrating that with resolve and enthusiasm, anything can be achieved.
Wakama's legacy embodies resilience, creativity, and the strength of
self-belief.
Wakama
Wakama was born in Raleigh, North Carolina to Johnson Wakama and Rosana Oba whom are natives of Okrika, Rivers State, Nigeria. She holds a bachelor's degree in Therapeutic Recreation from the Western Carolina University, and a master's degree in Business Administration from Manhattan College.
While she was at WCU, she played for the Western Carolina Catamounts for four years. Immediately she left college, she joined the D’Tigress where she played for the team at the 2015 Women’s Afrobasket tournament in Cameroon where Nigeria finished third. She also represented Nigeria’s First Bank at the FIBA Africa Champions Cup for Women during her career as a player.
For her first two years at Manhattan College, she served as the director of women’s basketball operations, she became an assistant coach in her third year where she kept on developing talents while serving as the team’s academics and community service liaison.
In 2023, she became the first female Head Coach of D’Tigress., and became the first Nigerian National Female Basketball Team coach to win the FIBA AfroBasket Women competition since it began in 1966. At the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, under her leadership, Nigeria’s D’Tigress became the first African team, male or female, to qualify for the quarterfinals of basketball at the Olympics after beating Canada 79-70.