President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conferred national honours, financial gifts, and housing rewards on Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, following their record fifth consecutive FIBA Women’s AfroBasket title.
At a presidential reception in their honour at the State House Banquet Hall on Monday, Vice President Kashim Shettima announced that each player will receive $100,000 and a flat.
Members of the coaching and technical crew will each receive $50,000 and similar housing packages.
The entire team and staff have also been conferred with the prestigious national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).
The ceremony, attended by top government officials, including First Lad Oluremi Tinubu, the Wife of the Vice President, Nana Shettima, and sports administrators, celebrated the team’s resounding 78–64 victory over Mali in the AfroBasket final held Sunday night at the Palais des Sports de Treichville in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
Vice President Shettima, who received the team on behalf of the President, praised their display of unity, resilience, and excellence.
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“You have conquered Africa 78 to 64. 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 kings of African basketball for the fifth consecutive time”, Shettima declared.
Addressing the players as “daughters of the nation,” Shettima singled out head coach Rena Wakama for special praises, saying “your quiet strength and historic achievements have shattered ceilings. You represent the evolution of leadership in Nigerian sports. You have earned your place as one of the world’s best.”
He also commended Amy Okonkwo, the tournament’s Most Valuable Player, and Ezinne Kalu, top scorer in the final, noting “you played not for yourselves, but for Nigeria. Your victory belongs to all of us.”
Shettima emphasized the administration’s commitment to sports as a national development strategy.
“Sports is not merely entertainment—it is infrastructure, education, diplomacy, youth employment, and economic transformation. Under this government, we are repositioning sports for global competitiveness and sustainable growth”, he said.
He thanked the National Sports Commission, led by Shehu Dikko, and the Nigerian Basketball Federation under Musa Kida, for their support to the team.
In a stirring address, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu said the team’s triumph represents more than a basketball win—it is a beacon of inspiration for future generations.
“This victory is a resounding statement of hard work, excellence, and national pride. You have written another golden chapter in Nigeria’s sporting history. You inspire every young girl to dream boldly and pursue greatness”, she said.
Mrs. Tinubu recounted a previous encounter with the team during a visit last year, noting their progress.
“You showed up then, and now you are seated before the President. That’s what consistency, excellence, and discipline can achieve”, the First Lady noted.
She highlighted the extraordinary story of Dr. Sarah Goke, a full-time surgeon who recently had a baby and still played in the tournament, saying “your story is one of resilience and inspiration. May your path continue to light the way for others.”
Speaking on behalf of the team, Amy Okonkwo expressed heartfelt gratitude to the President and people of Nigeria.
“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.
Okonkwo praised the team’s support system and leadership, saying “we thank you for lifting us higher. We believe the sky is not our limit—we can break barriers.”
Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, described D’Tigress’ latest triumph as a milestone for Nigerian sports and women in athletics.
“This is a defining moment. With this victory, Nigeria becomes the first African team to qualify for the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup and extends an incredible 29-game unbeaten run in AfroBasket—an era unmatched in African basketball”, Dikko stated.
He applauded Coach Wakama’s back-to-back continental titles in 2023 and 2025, noting her emergence as a global symbol of female leadership in coaching.
“She has redefined what is possible when we invest in domestic development,” he said.
Dikko emphasized the intentional planning and leadership that led to the team’s success.
“These victories are not accidents. They are a product of deliberate investment, reforms, and the athletes’ resilience”, he said.
Highlighting other recent achievements in sports, Dikko mentioned Nigeria’s hosting of the Confederation of African Athletics U18 and U20 Championships, participation in the African Youth Games in Algeria, and the qualification of the U19 female basketball team for the World Cup in the Czech Republic.
“These efforts are part of a broader national strategy to build a sustainable sports ecosystem that empowers youth and enhances global competitiveness,” he said.
Dikko assured continued reforms in the sports sector, adding “every Nigerian boy and girl deserves a fair shot at becoming the next Ezinne Kalu or Tobi Amusan. We are committed to deepening reforms and unlocking our potential.”
He concluded by thanking President Tinubu, the First Lady, female ministers, and private partners supporting sports.
“You have inspired a nation. You’ve shown us again that greatness is earned through belief, unity, and hard work”, he said.
He also expressed hope for similar success from the national men’s basketball team, D’Tigers, who begin their AfroBasket championship campaign in Angola in two weeks.
The presidential reception follows a similar ceremony hosted by President Tinubu last week for the Super Falcons, after their victory in the 2025 WAFCON in Rabat, Morocco.
D’Tigress now hold seven African championship titles and remain the most dominant women’s basketball team on the continent.
