Abuja, Nigeria — August 4, 2025 — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has honored Nigeria’s women’s national basketball team, D’Tigress, with significant rewards following their historic triumph at the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Championship.
Honors and Rewards
Each player of the team received a cash reward of $100,000, while members of the coaching and technical staff were awarded $50,000 each. In addition to the monetary gifts, the President conferred upon all members of the team and staff the prestigious national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).
As part of the reward package, each team member and staff also received a three-bedroom flat in Abuja, allocated through the government’s Renewed Hope Housing Estate initiative.
Victory on the Court
The recognition follows D’Tigress’s outstanding performance at the AfroBasket tournament, where they secured Nigeria’s seventh overall title and fifth consecutive win. In the final match, the team defeated Mali 78–64, extending Nigeria’s unbeaten streak in the competition since 2017.
Presidential Remarks
Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented the President during the award ceremony, praised the team’s unity, discipline, and commitment. He described their victory as a powerful symbol of what Nigerians can achieve through hard work and dedication.
Shettima also commended Head Coach Rena Wakama, who made history as the first female coach to lead D’Tigress to an AfroBasket title. Special mention was given to standout players including Amy Okonkwo, who was named Most Valuable Player, and Ezinne Kalu, the team’s top scorer in the final.
First Lady and Sports Commission Statements
First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu highlighted the team’s achievement as a source of inspiration for young girls across the country. She praised their resilience and recognized the story of Dr. Sarah Ogoke, a new mother and medical doctor who returned to compete in the tournament.
Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, lauded the win as a defining moment for women’s sports in Nigeria. He confirmed that the team has now qualified for the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup pre-qualifiers, and reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting sports development as a pathway to national growth.
Summary of Rewards
| Reward Type | Recipient | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Cash Award | Each Player | $100,000 |
| Cash Award | Technical and Coaching Staff | $50,000 |
| National Honour | All Team and Staff | Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) |
| Housing | All Team and Staff | Three-bedroom flat in Abuja |
National Impact
D’Tigress’s victory not only cements Nigeria’s dominance in African women’s basketball but also signals a broader national effort to support and elevate women in sports. Coming shortly after similar praise for the Super Falcons, the gesture reflects an increasing recognition of the importance of investing in female athletes and their long-term development.
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