President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has rewarded Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, with $100,000 each, three-bedroom flats in the Renewed Hope Estate, and national honours after their triumphant fifth consecutive FIBA Women’s AfroBasket title win.
The celebration came during a grand reception held at the State House Banquet Hall in Abuja on Tuesday evening, where Vice President Kashim Shettima announced the presidential rewards on behalf of President Tinubu.
In addition to the players, each member of the 11-man coaching and technical crew was also awarded $50,000, a three-bedroom apartment, and the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) national honour.
The recognition follows closely on the heels of a similar ceremony for the Super Falcons, who were honoured for their record 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title in Morocco.
D’Tigress cemented their dominance in African women’s basketball by defeating Mali 78–64 in the 2023 final held in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire—securing their seventh continental crown and continuing a winning streak that began in 2017.
Vice President Shettima, in his remarks, hailed the team’s courage and unity, stating: “You have brought great pride to Nigeria. You wore the green and white not just as colours, but as a symbol of unity—and now wear the crown as queens of African basketball.”
Shettima gave special praise to head coach Rena Wakama, lauding her as a trailblazer in Nigerian sports leadership. “Your quiet strength and historic achievements have shattered ceilings and inspired countless young girls,” he said, noting her recent award as the best coach in Africa.
The VP also celebrated standout performers Amy Okonkwo, the tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP), and Ezinne Kalu, the final’s top scorer, for elevating the team’s performance.
“From Super Falcons to D’Tigress, and record-breaking athletes on the track, Nigerian women continue to show that when preparation meets opportunity, excellence is inevitable,” Shettima declared.
First Lady Oluremi Tinubu expressed joy at the team’s achievement, calling it “a resounding statement of hard work, excellence, and national pride.”
“This is a moment that will inspire generations of Nigerian girls to dream boldly and pursue greatness,” she said.
Speaking on behalf of the team, MVP Amy Okonkwo expressed gratitude to President Tinubu and the Nigerian people: “We are so thankful to be here today. It’s an honour to represent Nigeria and continue the legacy of excellence.”
Also present were the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Shettima; and other top officials.
Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, praised the victory as a landmark for women’s sports in Nigeria, emphasizing that the back-to-back triumphs of the Super Falcons and D’Tigress mark a golden era for female athletes in the country.
As the D’Tigress continue to set new records on the court, the federal government’s recognition has sent a strong message: excellence will be rewarded — and Nigerian women’s sports is on the rise.
