President Bola Tinubu has honoured Nigeria’s national women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, following their triumphant fifth consecutive AfroBasket title. Each player will receive a cash reward of $100,000, while members of the 11-man coaching and technical crew will be awarded $50,000 each.
In addition, the President has gifted three-bedroom apartments at the Renewed Hope Estate to all team members and staff. He also conferred on them the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).
The announcement was made by Vice President Kashim Shettima during a presidential reception held at the State House Banquet Hall in Abuja. The team was warmly received at 5:05 p.m. by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, supported by the wife of the Vice President, Nana Shettima.
Also present at the ceremony were Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, Senate Committee Chairman on Youths and Sports Development Garba Maidoki, and House Committee Chairman on Sports Kabiru Amadou.
D’Tigress secured their seventh AfroBasket championship by defeating Mali 78–64 in the final held in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, solidifying their dominance in African women’s basketball.
This ceremony closely followed a similar reception President Tinubu hosted for the Super Falcons, after their recent 10th WAFCON title win in Morocco.
Delivering the President’s message, Vice President Shettima praised D’Tigress as national ambassadors and unifiers:
“Your victory is a testament to what we can achieve together. You brought home not just a trophy, but a lesson in unity, resilience, and excellence.”
He celebrated their qualification for the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup pre-qualifiers and commended their composure during challenging moments in the final match.
Special recognition was given to Coach Rena Wakama, hailed as a trailblazer in women’s sports leadership, and to standout players Amy Okonkwo, tournament MVP, and Ezinne Kalu, the top scorer in the final.
“Nigerian women have never failed this nation in sports,” Shettima noted, highlighting the consistent excellence of female athletes across disciplines.
President Tinubu reiterated his administration’s commitment to sports as a driver of development, youth empowerment, and economic growth—recognizing its broader role in diplomacy, education, and infrastructure.
He commended the National Sports Commission, led by Mallam Alabi, for progress in athlete welfare, institutional reform, and grassroots development. He also applauded the Nigerian Basketball Federation, under Malam Ahmadu Musa Kida, for sustained team development.
“To Nigerian youth: let D’Tigress be your inspiration. Success comes from discipline, hard work, and believing in your dream.”
Concluding the event, Shettima reaffirmed the government’s support for D’Tigress as they prepare for future global tournaments and promised more rewards to come.
“You are champions, role models, and true daughters of this land. The entire nation stands with you in pride.”
