Newly appointed Head Coach of Nigeria’s senior female national basketball team, Rena Wakama, has assured Nigerians and the basketball community of her total commitment and dedication to the growth of the game in Nigeria.
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Speaking with NBBF media from her USA base, the American born coach who is originally from Okrika local government in Rivers State, and also the first female to be appointed as head coach of the D’Tigress, was grateful and enthusiastic about her new position as coach of the three times champions of the Afrobasket championship.
“It is a great honour that I will forever be grateful for. This opportunity is truly a dream come true and I am sure, I will not be the last. I will represent this team and our country, with a lot of passion, pride and dedication,” she stated.
Wakama who enjoyed a proper basketball background, shone brightly in her High School days, thus receiving a 4-year full scholarship at Western Caroline. She went on to play professionally for 2 years, before she started her coaching career.
On her views about the state of basketball in Nigeria, she responded confidently about her knowledge of Nigeria and African basketball, and of course, her unflinching desire to take the game higher in the country.
“I am very knowledgeable. I have been studying Nigerian basketball since I was a young player and now in coaching. I’m aware of the great history and tradition of winning. I will dedicate my all to making sure we maintain the standard of excellence in African basketball.”
Wakama who is a highly rated coach, promised to help develop and create opportunities for both the players and coaches in Nigeria.
“I shall work to help elevate the game and teach the game, the right way. And also create opportunities and exposure for not only the great players, but great coaches in Nigeria.
Wakama was enthusiastic about the chances of D’Tigress at the forthcoming Afrobasket, even as she remarked that the team would put up strong showings at the championship.
“I’m very confident that we will be very competitive. I’m coming up with passion, pride and commitment. I will protect and fight for our girls and keep Nigeria in the forefront of excellence,” she added.
