President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the D’Tigress coach, Ms. Rena Wakama, on her recognition as the best coach of women’s basketball at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
The Nigeria women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, became the first African basketball team to play in the quarter-finals at the Olympic Games.One of the youngest coaches in Olympic history, Wakama delivered a new high tide mark for Nigerian and African basketball.
D’Tigress outing in Paris was the most impactful performance by an African team in history at the Olympic Basketball Tournaments with the 32-year-old coach one of the main drivers of Nigeria’s unprecedented success.
Despite being tagged underdogs, Nigeria were sensational at the tournament, attaining historical and unprecedented success and winning the hearts of basketball fans following their victories over Australia and Canada.
Nigeria made everyone sit up and take notice by beating the Opals on opening day and that was the first time they had won a Group phase game in 20 years.
They, however, suffered their first defeat at the Paris 2024 Olympics, slumping to a 75-54 defeat to France in their second Group C game.
After their loss to France in their second game, Wakama said the African champions needed to get back to their ways against Canada, which was exactly what they did.
President Bola Tinubu in a statement by his spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, the president commended the team, the coach, and all those who contributed to the unprecedented feat at the Olympics. He enjoined them not to relent or become crestfallen but to remain resilient and determined for greatness.
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 endeavors.
