President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Nigeria’s national women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, on their historic fifth consecutive AfroBasket triumph. Speaking through Vice President Kashim Shettima at a reception in their honor at the State House Banquet Hall, Tinubu praised the team as shining symbols of unity, resilience, and national pride.
The team was rewarded for their achievement with $100,000 each for the players, $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 after defeating Mali 78-64 in the final, extending their unbeaten streak in the tournament to 29 games and securing Nigeria’s spot in the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup pre-qualifiers.
Team captain Amy Okonkwo, who was named Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament, expressed gratitude and credited the team’s unity and support from the coaching staff, medical team, and federation for their success.
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. Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Shehu Dikko, highlighted Nigeria’s dominance in women’s basketball and commended Coach Rena Wakama and key players for their outstanding performances.
The ceremony was attended by prominent dignitaries, including the wife of the Vice President, ministers, and the President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation. D’Tigress was celebrated not just as champions of Africa but as ambassadors of hope, unity, and boundless potential.
