President Bola Tinubu has described Nigeria’s national women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, as shining symbols of unity, resilience, and national pride, following their historic fifth consecutive AfroBasket triumph.
Speaking through Vice President Kashim Shettima at a reception in their honour on Monday evening at the State House Banquet Hall, President Tinubu praised the team’s achievements as a reminder of what the nation can achieve through discipline, hard work, and unity.
“Beyond being ambassadors of our nation and symbols of excellence, you have reminded us all of the power of sports to unite a diverse nation,” Shettima said. “You have brought home not just a trophy, but valuable lessons for all Nigerians.”
To honour their feat, Tinubu approved a $100,000 reward for each player, $50,000 for coaching and technical crew members, and the conferment of the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) on all team members and staff. Each beneficiary will also receive a three-bedroom flat.
D’Tigress claimed their seventh AfroBasket title, and fifth in a row, on Sunday after defeating Mali 78–64 in the final at the Palais des Sports de Treichville, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
The victory extended their unbeaten streak in the tournament to 29 games and secured Nigeria’s spot in the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup pre-qualifiers.
In an emotional response, team captain Amy Okonkwo, who was also named Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament, expressed the team’s gratitude.
“On behalf of D’Tigress, we are so, so thankful to be here today,” she said. “This victory is not just about a trophy; it’s about inspiring young girls to dream big and believe in themselves.”
Okonkwo credited the team’s unity and unwavering support from the coaching staff, medical team, and federation. “I don’t think the sky is the limit. I think we can go beyond and break barriers,” she declared.
In her remarks, First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu praised the team’s tenacity and grace, describing their achievement as a beacon of hope for young girls across the country.
“This triumph is more than just a win on the court, it is a resounding statement of hard work, teamwork, excellence, and the unbreakable Nigerian spirit,” she said. “Your success will inspire generations of Nigerian girls and women to dream boldly and pursue greatness without limits.”
The First Lady commended Head Coach Rena Wakama for her exceptional leadership and also celebrated the story of team member Dr. Sarah Ogoke, who balanced her roles as a new mother, surgeon, and elite athlete.
“To be a surgeon, a new mother, and still compete at the highest level is the definition of resilience,” she said. Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Shehu Dikko, described the D’Tigress triumph as a defining moment for Nigerian sports and a proud symbol of women’s excellence on the global stage.
“Barely a week ago, we celebrated the Super Falcons. Today, we honour D’Tigress. Their victory has earned Nigeria the first African qualification slot for the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup,” he noted.
Dikko highlighted Nigeria’s dominance, pointing to a 29-game unbeaten AfroBasket run spanning nearly a decade. He also praised Coach Wakama, who made history as the first African woman to lead a team to back-to-back championships.
He spotlighted key players including Amy Okonkwo and Ezinne Kalu for their standout performances, crediting Nigeria’s growing success in women’s sports to deliberate investment, leadership, and resilience.
“These victories are not by chance. They are the product of intentional strategy and enduring grit,” he said.Dikko noted that Nigeria continues to make waves in global competitions. “Our U-19 women’s basketball team just returned from the World Cup in the Czech Republic, and our university athletes are proudly representing Nigeria in Germany,” he said.
He also revealed that D’Tigers, the men’s national team, will soon begin their AfroBasket campaign in Angola. “God willing, we’ll return here in a few weeks to present D’Tigers with another trophy,” he added.
The ceremony was attended by dignitaries including wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima, Chief of Staff to the President Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, Minister of Women Affairs Hajia Iman Suleiman-Ibrahim, Minister of Culture and Creative Economy Hannatu Musawa, Minister of State for Finance Doris Anite, wives of cabinet ministers, and President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation, Musa Kida.
As the echoes of applause rang through the State House Banquet Hall, D’Tigress stood tall, not just as champions of Africa, but as ambassadors of hope, unity, and boundless potential.
