Rena Wakama stands as a trailblazing force in international basketball, embodying the excellence and ambition of the Nigerian diaspora. Born in Raleigh, North Carolina, the 33-year-old coach has transformed Nigeria’s D’Tigress into a formidable powerhouse while simultaneously breaking barriers in American professional basketball.
Wakama’s historic journey began when she became the first female head coach to win the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket championship in 2023, immediately establishing her credentials on the continental stage. Her crowning achievement came at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she guided D’Tigress to an unprecedented quarterfinals appearance—making Nigeria the first African nation, male or female, to win two games at an Olympic basketball tournament. Her tactical brilliance earned her FIBA’s Best Coach recognition following the Olympics.
In March 2025, Wakama’s stellar reputation secured her appointment as assistant coach for the WNBA’s Chicago Sky, joining an elite coaching staff under Tyler Marsh. Most recently, she added another prestigious role as head coach of Hive Basketball Club in the Unrivaled league, demonstrating her versatility across different basketball formats.
The former Western Carolina University player, who averaged 10.4 points per game during her senior year, has seamlessly transitioned from collegiate athlete to internationally acclaimed coach. Her coaching philosophy emphasizes player development, strategic innovation, and competitive excellence—qualities honed through previous roles at Manhattan College, Stony Brook, and Tulane.
Wakama represents the pinnacle of Nigerian diaspora achievement, proving that heritage and global ambition can coexist beautifully. Her dual commitment to elevating African basketball while competing at the highest levels of American professional sports inspires a new generation of coaches and athletes worldwide.