Rena Wakama: Breaking Barriers and Making History in African Basketball – Meet Rena Wakama, the trailblazing Nigerian basketball coach who recently led D’Tigress to a historic Women’s Afrobasket title.
Learn about her early life, career, and journey to becoming the first female coach to win the prestigious tournament. Discover how she overcame challenges and critics to make a name for herself in the world of African women’s basketball.
Biography of Rena Wakama
Rena Wakama, the first female coach to win the Women’s Afrobasket title, is a Nigerian basketball prodigy. Born on April 11, 1992, in Raleigh, North Carolina, USA, Rena’s roots trace back to Okrika, Rivers State, Nigeria.
She has two sisters, Yvonne and Mina, who were an essential part of her life and basketball journey from an early age.
Age and Date of Birth
Rena Wakama was born on April 11, 1992, which makes her 31 years old as of this writing.
State of Origin and Tribe
Hailing from Okrika, a town in Rivers State, Nigeria, Rena Wakama is of Nigerian descent.
Meet Her Parents: Father and Mother
Rena Wakama’s parents are Johnson Wakama and Rosana Oba. Although detailed information about them is not widely available, they undoubtedly played a significant role in shaping Rena’s character and guiding her towards her passion for basketball.
Meet Her Siblings: Brother and Sister
Rena has two sisters, Yvonne and Mina, who have been a major influence in her life. They shared a close bond, engaging in various activities together, including playing basketball.
Education Background
Rena Wakama’s love for basketball blossomed during her time at Wake Forest High School in North Carolina. Encouraged and inspired by her cousin, Onimisi Aiyede, she honed her skills and developed a deep passion for the sport. After high school, Rena pursued higher education at the University of Western Carolina (WSU), where she played for the women’s basketball team known as the ‘Catamounts.’ In 2014, she earned a bachelor’s degree in therapeutic recreation from WSU.
Meet Her Husband and Children
As of the latest available information, Rena Wakama’s marital status is unmarried, and there is no public disclosure of her having a boyfriend or children.
Career
Rena Wakama’s basketball career kicked off in 2015 when she joined D’Tigress, the Nigerian women’s national basketball team. She participated in the 2015 Women’s Afrobasket tournament in Cameroon, where Nigeria secured a third-place finish.
Rena’s journey faced an early setback as her name was missing from the team roster due to a missed registration deadline, but this didn’t deter her determination. Transitioning from a player to a coach, Rena Wakama knew that coaching was her true calling.
Her passion for organizing and leading a team was evident during her time with the Nigerian Basketball Federation (NBBF). She later moved to Manhattan College, where she served as the director of women’s basketball operations before becoming an assistant coach.
Net Worth
As of now, Rena Wakama’s net worth is not publicly available, but her accomplishments and success in the world of basketball coaching have undoubtedly put her on a path to greater financial rewards.
Inaugural Afrobasket Triumph as Head Coach
In a groundbreaking move, Rena Wakama was appointed as the head coach of D’Tigress on June 30, just weeks before the 2023 Women’s Afrobasket.
Despite skepticism and doubts surrounding her appointment, Rena’s coaching prowess shone through.
The team faced challenges, with some experienced players choosing not to participate, but this didn’t deter Rena and her squad.
Flawless Run to Victory
With a depleted squad, Rena Wakama’s coaching brilliance guided D’Tigress to a series of impressive victories.
They defeated the Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, and Mozambique in the group stage and quarter final.
In the semi-final clash against Rwanda, the Nigerian team emerged victorious, securing a place in the final.
Making History: The First Female Coach to Win Afrobasket
In the final showdown, D’Tigress faced Senegal, a formidable opponent. But with Rena Wakama’s strategic guidance and the players’ determination, Nigeria emerged triumphant, securing an 84-74 victory.
This historic win not only marked Nigeria’s fourth consecutive Women’s Afrobasket title but also made Rena Wakama the first female coach to achieve such a feat since the tournament’s inception in 1966.
In conclusion, Rena Wakama’s journey from a 31-year-old with a brief playing career to Africa’s most successful female basketball coach in just half a month is nothing short of remarkable.
Breaking through barriers and glass ceilings, she has carved a name for herself in the annals of African basketball history. With her passion, dedication, and remarkable achievements, Rena Wakama continues to inspire generations of female basketball players and coaches across the continent.
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