In a move that underscores her rising profile on the international basketball scene, Rena Wakama, head coach of Nigeria’s women’s national basketball team D’Tigress has been appointed head coach of the American women’s 3-on-3 professional team, Hive BC. The appointment marks another major milestone for Wakama, who continues to break barriers for African coaches on the global stage.
A Bold Step in Her Coaching Journey
The announcement came through the Unrivaled League, a women’s professional 3×3 basketball league that has been expanding rapidly in the United States. Wakama is set to take charge of Hive BC, one of two new franchises joining the league for the 2025–26 season, with games scheduled to begin in January 2026.
For Wakama, this appointment represents a significant step forward in her coaching journey. Over the last few years, she has transitioned from being a player to a highly respected coach, demonstrating exceptional tactical awareness, motivational leadership, and the ability to unite diverse rosters around a common goal. Her success with D’Tigress has made her one of the most talked-about coaches in African basketball.
Historic Achievements with D’Tigress
Rena Wakama’s impact on Nigerian basketball cannot be overstated. In 2023, she made history as the first female head coach to guide D’Tigress to victory in the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Championship, leading the team to a fourth consecutive continental title. Her achievement shattered long-standing gender barriers in African basketball coaching, earning her admiration from fans, players, and sports administrators alike.
She followed that triumph with another AfroBasket title in 2025, confirming Nigeria’s dominance on the continent and solidifying her reputation as a strategic and results-oriented leader. Under her guidance, D’Tigress also achieved a historic Olympic milestone, becoming the first African basketball team to reach the quarter-finals at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
These accomplishments have made Wakama one of the most influential figures in Nigerian sports today. Her emphasis on discipline, teamwork, and mental toughness has been credited with transforming D’Tigress into one of the world’s most competitive national teams.
A Win for African Representation in Global Basketball
Wakama’s appointment at Hive BC also carries symbolic weight. It highlights the growing recognition of African coaching talent on the global stage and the increasing opportunities for African coaches to contribute to elite basketball programs outside Africa.
Her move reflects a new chapter in the evolution of women’s basketball, one where diverse coaching voices are being acknowledged and celebrated. For the Unrivaled League, the decision to bring in an African head coach underscores its commitment to inclusivity, innovation, and international collaboration.
By taking on this new challenge, Wakama will have the opportunity to introduce African coaching philosophies that emphasize adaptability, speed, and resilience in a competitive American basketball environment. It’s also an opportunity for her to mentor young players in the league, drawing from her experience building championship teams with limited resources back home.
What Hive BC Gains
Hive BC, one of the league’s newest franchises, gains far more than a coach; it gains a proven leader and a global ambassador for women’s basketball. Wakama’s experience developing and motivating teams in high-pressure environments could prove vital in shaping Hive BC’s culture from day one.
She is expected to play a key role in building the team’s roster, developing training programs, and instilling a winning mindset. Her ability to identify and nurture young talent has been a recurring theme throughout her career, and Hive BC will be counting on that strength as it seeks to make an immediate impact in its debut season.
Beyond the court, Wakama’s influence could extend into player development, brand identity, and community engagement, areas where her reputation and passion for empowerment could make Hive BC a standout franchise in the league.
Challenges and Expectations
Despite her impressive record, Wakama’s new role will not be without challenges. Transitioning from the traditional 5-on-5 format of international basketball to the fast-paced 3×3 format requires tactical adjustments and a deep understanding of space, timing, and quick decision-making.
Balancing her responsibilities with D’Tigress and Hive BC will also demand exceptional time management and planning, especially during overlapping training periods. However, her proven resilience and professionalism suggest she is well-prepared for the demands ahead.
For Hive BC, the challenge will be to support Wakama in building a competitive structure from scratch, recruiting the right mix of players, establishing chemistry, and navigating the expectations that come with hiring one of Africa’s most respected basketball coaches.
Looking Ahead
As anticipation builds for the 2026 season, basketball enthusiasts are eager to see what Rena Wakama brings to the Unrivaled League. Her arrival adds excitement and prestige to a league that has quickly become one of the most talked-about projects in women’s professional basketball.
For Nigeria and Africa, her appointment is more than a personal success; it is a validation of the region’s growing influence in the global basketball ecosystem. Her journey from representing Nigeria as a player to becoming a double AfroBasket-winning coach and now leading a U.S. professional team is a story of vision, courage, and perseverance.
Final Note
Rena Wakama’s move to Hive BC represents a landmark moment for women’s basketball and African sports leadership. It cements her status as a trailblazer, not only for her achievements on the court but also for her role in redefining what is possible for African coaches internationally.
Her next chapter at Hive BC promises to be both challenging and inspiring, as she continues to break barriers and expand the global reach of African excellence in basketball.
