President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has rewarded Nigeria’s national women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, with a generous package following their remarkable victory at the 2023 AfroBasket Championship. Each player received $100,000, while members of the 11-man coaching and technical crew were awarded $50,000 each.
Additionally, all players and officials were allocated three-bedroom flats at the Renewed Hope Estate, and were conferred with national honours as Officers of the Order of the Niger (OON).
The announcement was made by Vice President Kashim Shettima during a presidential reception held at the State House Banquet Hall in Abuja. The team, accompanied by their officials, arrived at the New Banquet Hall at 5:05 pm, where they were warmly received by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu and Mrs. Nana Shettima, wife of the Vice President.
The reception was attended by notable government figures, including Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, Chairman, Senate Committee on Youths and Sports Development, Garba Maidoki, and Chairman, House Committee on Sports, Kabiru Amadou.
D’Tigress earned the accolades after securing their fifth consecutive AfroBasket title—and seventh overall—by defeating Mali 78–64 in the final match held at the Palais des Sports de Treichville, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
The event echoed a similar celebration held a week earlier for the Super Falcons, who were honoured for winning their tenth WAFCON title in Rabat, Morocco.
Delivering Tinubu’s message, Shettima praised the D’Tigress for their exceptional unity, resilience, and representation of national pride:
“Your victory is a testament to what we can achieve when we work together... You have brought home not just a trophy, but valuable lessons for all Nigerians.”
He described their latest success as a reflection of their determination and tactical brilliance, especially in the final quarter of the championship game, and hailed their qualification for the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup pre-qualifying tournament.
Special recognition was given to Coach Rena Wakama, described as a symbol of evolving leadership in Nigerian sports.
“Your quiet strength and remarkable achievements have shattered ceilings and inspired countless young girls across Nigeria.”
Tributes were also paid to Amy Okonkwo, named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player, and Ezinne Kalu, the top scorer in the final, for their standout performances.
Highlighting the consistent excellence of Nigerian women in sports, Shettima noted:
“From the Super Falcons to our track stars and now this basketball dynasty, Nigerian women have always made the nation proud.”
Tinubu, through Shettima, reiterated the administration’s commitment to prioritizing sports as a tool for national development, encompassing education, infrastructure, diplomacy, youth empowerment, and economic growth.
The National Sports Commission, led by Mallam Alabi, and the Nigerian Basketball Federation, chaired by Malam Ahmadu Musa Kida, were also commended for their impactful contributions to athlete welfare and development.
“To all Nigerian youth, let the story of D’Tigress inspire you. Greatness stems from hard work, discipline, and belief. Nigeria belongs to those who dare to dream.”
Concluding the ceremony, Shettima reaffirmed government support for D’Tigress and promised additional rewards as they prepare for global tournaments:
“You are champions, role models, and true daughters of this land... This is true leadership—recognizing and rewarding those who have excelled for our nation.”
ADEOLA KUNLE
