President Bola Tinubu has praised Rena Wakama, D’Tigress’ head coach, over her recognition as the best manager of the Olympic women’s basketball event.
FIFA and Olympic organisers named Wakama the best coach after she guided D’Tigress to the tournament quarter-finals for the first time in its history.
It was the first time an African country would make the last eight of the Olympic basketball tournament — male or female.
Nigeria eventually succumbed to the United States in the quarter-finals.
In a statement on Monday by Ajuri Ngalale, presidential spokesperson, Tinubu said Wakama’s recognition by FIBA further “accents her well-established leadership qualities and dedication to excellence”.
The president urged D’Tigress “not to relent or become crestfallen but remain resilient and determined for greatness”.
Tinubu also commended members of the Nigerian contingent for their “good sportsmanship, discipline, and sacrifice” at the Olympics.
He thanked the athletes for their service to the country and wished them well.
The President’s statement comes after Nigeria’s Sports Minister, John Owan Enoh, apologised for the team’s failure to meet expectations.
“I must apologise to our compatriots and reflect on what went wrong while looking forward to the Paralympic Games, Paris 2024(August 28- September 8th),” the Minister had said.
Team Nigeria had 88 athletes across 12 sports and could not secure any Olympic medals.
The outing was the country’s worst Olympics performance since London 2012.
It is also the eighth time Nigeria has returned from the Games with zero medals.
It should be noted that Nigeria’s participation in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games ended without a medal.
