D’Tigress head coach Rena Wakama has expressed immense pride and gratitude for the support she and her team have received at the ongoing Olympics in Paris.

Under Coach Wakama’s leadership, D’Tigress made history by becoming the first team in Africa to secure a spot in the Olympic quarter-finals.

Speaking at a meeting with the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), and the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), D’Tigress the coach shared her honor in leading the team to historic victories at the Paris Olympics.

“On behalf of my team and staff, we are honored to represent Nigeria at the highest level. We are thrilled to bring joy, passion, and resilience to our nation and to be a great example for future generations,” Wakama said.

She also expressed hope that more women will be trusted and given opportunities to lead and achieve similar successes.

“I know I’m the first woman to achieve this, but I hope not to be the last. I hope everyone can see that we are capable of amazing things when given the opportunity. Thank you again to the president for this incredible chance.”

Coach Rena Wakama is the first woman to win the AfroBasket, the first woman to coach Nigeria’s team at the Olympics, leading D’Tigress to their first Olympic win in 20 years, and guiding them to become the first African country to win two group stage games at the Olympics.

D’Tigress head coach, Rena Wakama watches as Amy Okonkwo driving towards the basket in the group D match against Egypt in the 2023 Women’s Afrobasket

She has also led the team to become the first African team, male or female, to qualify for the quarterfinals at the Olympics.