12th August, 2024
By Salif Atojoko
President Bola Tinubu has said the recognition of Ms Rena Wakama, D’Tigress’ coach, as the best coach of women’s basketball at the Paris 2024 Olympics by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), further accented her well-established leadership qualities and dedication to excellence.
The President said this while reacting to Nigeria’s outing in the recently concluded Olympics Games in Paris in a statement by his spokesman, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, the President commended the team, the coach, and all those who played a part in the unprecedented feat at the Olympics.
Tinubu enjoined them not to relent or become crestfallen, but remain resilient and determined for greatness.
The President affirmed that winning trophies and medals was the ultimate goal in competitive sports.
But he said nothing trumped the place of good sportsmanship, discipline, and sacrifice shown by all those who held the Nigerian flag at the Olympic Games.
The Nigeria women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, became the first African basketball team to play in the quarter-finals at the Olympic Games.
The President thanked the Nigerian contingent and wished them success in their respective endeavours. (NAN)
In a blog post on Sunday, FIBA said Wakama’s put up the “most impactful performance by an African team in history” at the Olympic basketball competitions.
“Nigeria made everyone sit up and take notice by beating Australia on opening day and that was the first time they had won a Group phase game,” the post reads.
“A few days later and Nigeria stunned Canada to become the first African team to take two wins at the Games, once again their tenacious defense providing the platform for success.
“Even more impressive, this secured them a ticket to the knockout phase and they became the first African team in history, men or women, to play in the Olympic Quarter-Finals.
“Their campaign eventually came to a close when they were beaten by USA, but even then they showed their fighting spirit and qualities until the very end.”
FIBA also said Wakama is “one of the youngest coaches in Olympic history who delivered a new high tide mark for Nigeria and African basketball”.
Wakama who was born in Raleigh, North Carolina, was appointed coach of the Nigerian women’s basketball team in June 2023.
