Nigeria’s national women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, has been celebrated with substantial rewards and honors following their historic fifth consecutive African championship victory. President Bola Tinubu, represented by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, announced during a reception at the Presidential Villa in Abuja that each player would receive $100,000, a National Honour, and an apartment. The team’s coach and technical staff were granted $50,000 each, with promises of further incentives as the squad prepares for the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup pre-qualifying tournament.
The recognition comes after D’Tigress secured their continental title with a decisive 78-64 victory, cementing their status as Africa’s top-ranked women’s basketball team. Tinubu praised the athletes as “symbols of excellence” whose success exemplified unity and resilience in a diverse nation. “Your victory is a testament to what we can achieve when we work together,” he stated, emphasizing sports as a catalyst for national development, youth empowerment, and diplomacy.
Head coach Rena Wakama, hailed for her leadership and named Africa’s best coach, was credited with inspiring young girls across Nigeria through her groundbreaking achievements. Standout players, including tournament MVP Amy Okonkwo and top scorer Ezinne Kalu, were also celebrated for their pivotal roles. Tinubu highlighted the team’s composure during high-pressure moments, noting their performance had “shattered ceilings” and set a blueprint for future generations.
The event underscored the Nigerian government’s renewed focus on athletic investment. Tinubu commended the National Sports Commission and Nigerian Basketball Federation for prioritizing athlete welfare and grassroots development, pledging continued support as D’Tigress advances to global competitions. He linked the team’s triumph to broader national aspirations, urging youth to embrace discipline and ambition: “Nigeria belongs to those who dare to dream.”
First Lady Oluremi Tinubu echoed these sentiments, framing the victory as a transformative moment for Nigerian women and girls. She emphasized the team’s success as proof of “hard work, excellence, and national pride,” arriving shortly after the women’s football team’s own achievements. “This is another reason to believe in the power of Nigerian women to break barriers,” she said, praising their ability to unite a nation through sport.
D’Tigress joins a growing legacy of Nigerian women excelling in athletics, from football’s Super Falcons to record-breaking track athletes. The government’s financial and symbolic gestures signal a commitment to elevating sports as a pillar of socio-economic progress, while reinforcing the message that Nigeria’s global stature is increasingly being shaped by the triumphs of its women.
