President Bola Ahmed Tinubu conferred national honours on Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress.
This follows their triumph at the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Championship in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
The team secured a 78–64 victory over Mali in a thrilling final on August 3, 2025.
This marks their fifth consecutive title and seventh overall, making them the most successful team in the tournament’s history.
Presidential Recognition and Rewards
On August 4, 2025, President Tinubu hosted D’Tigress at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where he announced national honours for all team members.
Each player will receive $100,000, while technical crew members will get $50,000.
This follows a similar gesture last week when Tinubu awarded the Super Falcons $100,000 each, $50,000 for their crew, Officers of the Order of the Niger (OON) honours, and three-bedroom apartments for their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations win in Morocco.
Dominant Performance in Abidjan
Led by head coach Rena Wakama, D’Tigress overcame a slow start in the final against Mali, dominating the second half with a disciplined game plan.
Their path to victory included a hard-fought semi-final win against Senegal, showcasing their resilience.
The team’s 10-year unbeaten streak in AfroBasket cements their dominance in African women’s basketball, earning widespread praise on X for their consistency and skill.
Boosting Women’s Sports in Nigeria
The team’s success highlights the growing prominence of women’s sports in Nigeria, inspiring calls for increased investment in athletics.
D’Tigress’ victory serves as a moment of national pride, with fans and analysts on X celebrating their achievement.
The national honours and financial rewards shows the government’s commitment to recognizing sporting excellence, boosting morale among athletes and supporters alike.
Future Prospects for D’Tigress
As D’Tigress prepares for future competitions, including potential Olympic qualifiers, their AfroBasket dominance positions them as a global contender.
The recognition from President Tinubu is expected to inspire further success, with stakeholders urging sustained support for women’s basketball.
The team’s historic achievement continues to spark conversations about the need for infrastructure and funding to maintain Nigeria’s leadership in African sports.
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