In a celebration steeped in national pride and historic achievement, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has honoured Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, with national awards, cash prizes, and housing gifts following their fifth consecutive FIBA Women’s AfroBasket title.
The presidential reception, held Monday at the State House Banquet Hall in Abuja, was a vibrant show of appreciation for the team’s 78–64 victory over Mali in the final game, played Sunday night in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
Representing the President, Vice President Kashim Shettima announced the generous rewards: $100,000 and a flat for each player, and $50,000 and similar housing packages for members of the coaching and technical crew. All recipients were also conferred with the prestigious national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).
“You have conquered Africa 78 to 64,” Shettima declared. “It’s not just about tactical superiority, but also about poise, discipline, and the Nigerian spirit. You wore the green and white not just as a jersey, but as a symbol of unity and now you wear the crown as queens of African basketball for the fifth consecutive time.”
The Vice President reserved special praise for head coach Rena Wakama, who has now led the team to back-to-back continental titles in 2023 and 2025. “Your quiet strength and historic achievements have shattered ceilings. You represent the evolution of leadership in Nigerian sports. You have earned your place among the world’s best,” he said.
MVP Amy Okonkwo and top scorer Ezinne Kalu were also acknowledged. “You played not for yourselves, but for Nigeria. Your victory belongs to all of us,” Shettima said, calling the players “daughters of the nation.”
He further reiterated the Tinubu administration’s broader commitment to sports as a tool for national development. “Sports is not merely entertainment it is infrastructure, education, diplomacy, youth employment, and economic transformation,” he said. “Under this government, we are repositioning sports for global competitiveness and sustainable growth.”
The event drew notable dignitaries, including First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Shettima, and senior sports officials. Mrs. Tinubu delivered a heartfelt tribute to the team, describing them as “beacons of hope for generations to come.”
“This victory is a resounding statement of hard work, excellence, and national pride. You inspire every young girl to dream boldly and pursue greatness,” the First Lady said.
She fondly recalled meeting the team during a visit the previous year, remarking on their growth: “You showed up then, and now you are seated before the President. That’s what consistency, excellence, and discipline can achieve.”
Mrs. Tinubu spotlighted the story of Dr. Sarah Goke, a full-time surgeon and recent mother who still competed in the tournament. “Your story is one of resilience and inspiration. May your path continue to light the way for others,” she said.
Speaking on behalf of the team, Amy Okonkwo expressed heartfelt gratitude. “We are so thankful to be here today. It means the world to us to be hosted like this and to inspire young women across the world that they too can dream,” she said. “We thank you for lifting us higher. We believe the sky is not our limit we can break barriers.”
Also Read: Nigeria’s First Lady Celebrates D’Tigress Continental Triumph
Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, called the team’s victory a milestone moment, noting that Nigeria is now the first African nation to qualify for the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup, and has extended its unbeaten AfroBasket run to 29 games.
“This is a defining moment for Nigerian sports and for women in athletics,” Dikko said. “Coach Wakama has redefined what is possible when we invest in domestic development.”
He emphasised that D’Tigress’ dominance is the product of strategic investment and reforms: “These victories are not accidents. They are a product of deliberate planning and the athletes’ resilience.”
Highlighting Nigeria’s broader sporting successes, Dikko cited recent milestones such as hosting the African U18 and U20 Athletics Championships, participating in the African Youth Games, and qualifying for the U19 FIBA World Cup in the Czech Republic.
“These efforts are part of a broader strategy to build a sustainable sports ecosystem that empowers youth and enhances global competitiveness,” he added. “Every Nigerian boy and girl deserves a fair shot at becoming the next Ezinne Kalu or Tobi Amusan.”
Dikko closed by thanking President Tinubu, the First Lady, female ministers, and private sponsors for their support, saying: “You’ve shown us again that greatness is earned through belief, unity, and hard work.”
The event comes on the heels of a similar reception for the Super Falcons, following their WAFCON 2025 triumph in Rabat, Morocco.
With seven AfroBasket titles, D’Tigress remains the most dominant women’s basketball team on the African continent setting the bar for excellence and inspiring a generation of young athletes to rise.
