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President Tinubu Praises D’Tigress Coach Rena Wakama for Olympic Achievement

Written by Jerry Alomatu on August 13, 2024

News Views: 289

President Bola Tinubu has joined the chorus of admirers celebrating Rena Wakama, head coach of Nigeria’s D’Tigress, after her exceptional performance at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. Wakama was honored as the best coach of the Women’s Basketball Tournament, a recognition Tinubu has described as thoroughly deserved.

In a statement released on Monday by his spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu commended the 32-year-old coach for her outstanding leadership and commitment to excellence as recognized by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA).

The President acknowledges Coach Wakama’s remarkable achievements and her role in leading the team to an unprecedented performance at the Olympics, “He commends the team, the coach, and all those who played a part in the unprecedented feat at the Olympics, enjoining them not to relent or become crestfallen but to remain resilient and determined for greatness.”

The president’s praise was echoed by basketball fans on X (formerly Twitter), who expressed their admiration for Wakama’s achievements.

Mall Galib congratulated her, saying, “Congratulations, coach Rena Wakama. What a well-deserved honour as the best coach of the Paris 2024 Olympic Basketball tournament!”

Despite Nigeria’s failure to win a medal, many find solace in Wakama’s achievement. Emmanuel Onine remarked, “This is the only resemblance of medal Nigeria has in this Olympics.”

Carter, a supporter of Tulane University where Wakama serves as an assistant coach, expressed his pleasure, tweeting, “Glad to have her at Tulane University.”

Shafi’i Hamidu added, “For a well-deserved award at the Paris Olympics. Congratulations!”

D’Tigress made history by reaching the quarterfinals, an unprecedented achievement for an African team in Olympic basketball. Their impressive run was halted by the United States, who went on to win gold. Despite being the lowest-ranked team, Nigeria’s performance, including scoring over 73 points in consecutive games and securing 26 points in the fourth quarter against the USA, captured the admiration of basketball enthusiasts worldwide.