France 24 Olympic: When Kida’s administration speaks again

France 24 Olympic: When Kida’s administration speaks again

By: Dr. James Bwala

Although the Nigeria women’s basketball team exited the Olympics after losing to the US, they left earning a new position in the rankings and with new records to keep their heads high in the world of basketball. The US defeated the Nigerian women’s basketball team 88-74 in the quarterfinals of the Paris Olympic Games on Wednesday. But more accolades follow the Nigerian team as they vacate the Olympics, with D’Tigress coach Rena Wakama named the best basketball coach, and remarkably, Nigeria’s Ezinne Kalu was named to the All-Second Team of Paris 2024 Women’s Basketball.

Nigeria became the first African team, men or women, to reach the knockout stage of an Olympic basketball tournament. The plucky Nigerian underdogs have been one of the feel-good stories of the Paris Games for their spirited, joyful play and boundless self-belief that have embodied the Olympic spirit. 

But an Olympic first is one thing; bringing an end to the US 58-match winning streak and run of seven consecutive gold medals would have been a contender for the biggest upset in sporting history. The Nigerians also would not be intimidated by the US and stood their ground at the finish when the Americans vented some frustrations with Kahleah Copper of the US swatting the ball at Ezinne Kalu after she drove in for a layup as the final second ticked off the clock.

The Nigeria women’s basketball team coach, D’Tigress, Rena Wakama, was announced the best basketball coach by 

the International Basketball Federation (FFIBA) on Sunday as the Paris Olympic Games came to an end. The recognition by FIBA is a testament to Wakama’s exceptional leadership and tactical prowess, which propelled Nigeria to unprecedented heights at the Olympic Games. 

At 32, Wakama masterminded an incredible Nigerian run, leading D’Tigress to become the first African country to qualify for the quarterfinals.

Her team’s remarkable journey was marked by unforgettable victories over world number 3 Australia and world number 5 Canada. Wakama’s coaching expertise and strategic brilliance were on full display as D’Tigress pushed the USA to the limit in the quarterfinals, ultimately bowing out after a gallant display.

The Nigerian female basketball team, D’Tigress, has become the first African team to ever qualify for the quarterfinals of the Olympic women’s basketball tournament. They achieved this feat in Paris, France, after defeating the #5-ranked Canada by a score of 79-70 in their last group game of the tournament. En route to the quarterfinals, they also pulled a major upset by defeating #3-ranked Australia. 

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While the world and indeed Nigeria continue to celebrate coach Rena Wakama and her team for this achievement as a landmark moment for Nigerian basketball and a proud milestone for African sports, we are equally celebrating Engr. Musa Kida (Oshun, 78-Set) for his foresight in unveiling the new face of administration for Nigeria’s basketball. These feats have been made possible by the stellar leadership of the President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation, Engr. Musa Kida. 

Musa Kida, who remains the pride of his alma mater as captain of the school team, keeps the line of the donging game and takes position on the professional pitch, as well as pursuing his engineering calling to become an accomplished oil and gas professional. He rose to the exiled position of Deputy Managing Director of Total E & P, and since retiring from Total, he has been at the forefront of repositioning Nigerian basketball.

His achievements and records in the NBA keep speaking for themselves. Today, Rena Wakama is one of the products of his strategic administration. 

Dr. James Bwala, PhD, writes from Abuja.

France 24 Olympic: When Kida’s administration speaks again