Tinubu Honours D’Tigress with National Awards and $100,000 Each for Afrobasket Win

In a grand celebration of Nigerian sporting excellence, President Bola Tinubu has honoured the nation’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, following their historic fifth consecutive AfroBasket championship win. The President awarded each player $100,000, members of the 11-man coaching and technical team $50,000 each, and gifted bedroom flats at Renewed Hope Estate to every team and coaching staff member. Additionally, the players and technical crew were conferred with the prestigious Officer, Order of the Niger (OON) national honor.

This recognition follows a similar state reception hosted last week by President Tinubu for the Super Falcons after their tenth Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title, underscoring Nigeria’s dominance in women’s sports on the continent.

 

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D’Tigress secured their seventh overall AfroBasket title by defeating Mali 78–64 in the final held at the Palais des Sports de Treichville in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. Their achievement cements an unbeaten streak in AfroBasket competitions dating back to 2017, showcasing their sustained supremacy in African women’s basketball.

Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima announced the presidential rewards during a special reception at the State House Banquet Hall in Abuja. He praised the team’s resilience, unity, and poise, highlighting their role as symbols of national pride and sporting excellence.

Coach Rena Wakama was singled out for her inspirational leadership, credited with evolving Nigerian sports leadership and shattering glass ceilings for women coaches in Africa. Players Amy Okonkwo, the tournament’s Most Valuable Player, and Ezinne Kalu, top scorer in the final, were lauded for their pivotal contributions and selfless play for Nigeria.

Shettima emphasized the broader impact of Nigerian women in sports, noting their consistent success from football to athletics and now basketball, asserting that Nigerian women have never failed the nation. He declared this administration’s commitment to reposition sports as a critical pillar of national development and economic growth, underscoring sports as infrastructure, education, diplomacy, and a catalyst for youth employment.

Acknowledging the efforts of the National Sports Commission and the Nigerian Basketball Federation, he praised leaders like Mallam Alabi and Malam Ahmadu Musa Kida for their dedication and resource investment in developing Nigerian basketball.

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu expressed profound pride and joy, framing the victory as a powerful testament to hard work, teamwork, and national pride. She highlighted the inspirational value of the win for generations of Nigerian girls and women, praising the athletes as ambassadors of Nigerian sports excellence. The First Lady also shared a heartfelt story about Dr. Sarah Goke, a team member who balances a demanding medical career and motherhood, illustrating the multidimensional successes of these athletes.

Amy Okonkwo, speaking on behalf of the team, expressed deep gratitude for the recognition and support, emphasizing their commitment to continuing the legacy of excellence and inspiring young women worldwide.

Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, hailed the victory as a milestone for women’s sports in Nigeria and Africa. He highlighted the significance of the team’s qualification for the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup and their extended unbeaten streak. Dikko credited the success to intentional investment, leadership, and athlete resilience, pointing to Coach Wakama’s historic back-to-back championship wins and emphasizing the importance of structured sports development.

Dikko also pointed to Nigeria’s broader sports achievements and strategic initiatives, including hosting continental athletics championships and supporting youth teams, underscoring the government’s commitment to building a sustainable sports ecosystem.

The reception was attended by key government figures including the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Senate and House Committee Chairmen on Youths and Sports Development; female ministers; and other dignitaries.

President Tinubu’s generous rewards and national honors for D’Tigress not only celebrate their outstanding achievement but also signal a renewed focus on elevating Nigeria’s sports sector to greater heights, inspiring future generations of athletes to dream big and strive for excellence.

 

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