By Prosper Mene
Rena Wakama has solidified her legacy in African basketball by guiding Nigeria’s D’Tigress to their fifth consecutive FIBA Women’s AfroBasket championship, becoming the first woman to win the tournament in repeat fashion as head coach.
In a commanding final, Nigeria defeated Mali 78-64, extending an unbeaten AfroBasket streak to 29 games and claiming their seventh overall title. This historic feat, no team had ever won five straight, also secured direct qualification for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup. Amy Okonkwo earned MVP honors, heading the All-Star Five.
Wakama, who first broke barriers in 2023 with Nigeria’s fourth straight title, praised her players as “my queens” for their resilience despite limited preparation. At 33, the US-born coach of Nigerian descent (Rivers State roots) has rapidly risen, previously assisting with the Chicago Sky (WNBA) and earning 2024 Paris Olympics Best Coach after D’Tigress’ quarterfinal run, the first for any African team.
President Bola Tinubu honored the team with national awards, cash, and housing. Wakama’s achievements challenge gender norms in coaching, inspiring greater female participation while elevating women’s basketball across Africa.
