President Bola Tinubu has celebrated Rena Wakama for her remarkable achievements at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Wakama, the coach of Nigeria’s D’Tigress, led the team to a historic quarter-final appearance, making them the first African team, male or female, to reach this stage. Despite their valiant effort, they were ultimately defeated by the US. Her outstanding performance at the Olympics earned her the prize for best women’s coach, an honor that President Tinubu praised as well-deserved.
“President Tinubu states that the recognition of Ms. Wakama, 32, by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), further accents her well-established leadership qualities and dedication to excellence,” presidential spokesman Ajuri Ngelale said in a Monday statement.
“The President commends the team, the coach, and all those who played a part in the unprecedented feat at the Olympics, enjoining them not to relent or become crestfallen but to remain resilient and determined for greatness.”
Nigeria failed to win a medal in the competition, marking one of the country’s worst outings at the Olympics.
But Tinubu has thanked them for their sacrifices and is wishing them success in their careers.
“President Tinubu affirms that winning trophies and medals is the ultimate goal in competitive sports, but nothing trumps the place of good sportsmanship, discipline, and sacrifice shown by all those who held the Nigerian flag at the Olympic Games,” he said.
“The President thanks the Nigerian contingent and wishes them success in their respective endeavours.”