President Bola Tinubu has rewarded Nigeria’s national women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, with national honours, cash gifts, and houses in recognition of their historic fifth consecutive FIBA Women’s AfroBasket championship title.
At a reception held in their honour on Monday in Abuja, President Tinubu—represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima—conferred the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) on each player. He also announced a $100,000 cash gift for every team member, $50,000 each for the 11-man coaching and technical crew, and bedroom flats at the Renewed Hope Estate for all players and staff.
The ceremony, attended by high-ranking officials including First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, the wife of the Vice President Nana Shettima, several ministers and dignitaries, was held to celebrate the team’s 78–64 victory over Mali in the AfroBasket final, played Sunday night at the Palais des Sports de Treichville in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
Vice President Shettima, who received the team on behalf of President Tinubu, commended the athletes for their courage and character, describing them as a symbol of national unity and resilience.
“You have conquered Africa 78 to 64. It’s not just about tactical superiority, but also about poise, discipline, and the Nigerian spirit. You wore the green and white not just as a jersey but as a symbol of unity—and now you wear the crown as kings of African basketball for the fifth consecutive time,” Shettima declared.
Describing the players as “daughters of the nation,” Shettima showered praise for head coach Rena Wakama, who made history as the first female coach to win the AfroBasket title.
“Your quiet strength and historic achievements have shattered ceilings. You represent the evolution of leadership in Nigerian sports. You have earned your place as one of the world’s best,” he said.
Shettima also applauded Amy Okonkwo, who was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player, and Ezinne Kalu, who emerged top scorer in the final.
“You played not for yourselves, but for Nigeria. Your victory belongs to all of us,” he added.
The Vice President reiterated the Tinubu administration’s commitment to developing sports as a strategic pillar for national growth.
“Sports is not merely entertainment—it is infrastructure, education, diplomacy, youth employment, and economic transformation. Under this government, we are repositioning sports for global competitiveness and sustainable growth,” Shettima said.
He extended appreciation to the National Sports Commission, led by Shehu Dikko, and the Nigerian Basketball Federation (NBBF) under the leadership of Musa Kida, for their dedication and support to the team.
First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, speaking at the event, described D’Tigress’s accomplishment as a powerful symbol of hope for the younger generation.
“This victory is a resounding statement of hard work, excellence, and national pride. You have written another golden chapter in Nigeria’s sporting history. You inspire every young girl to dream boldly and pursue greatness,” she said.
Responding on behalf of the team, MVP Amy Okonkwo expressed gratitude for the recognition and honour.
“We are so thankful to be here today. It means the world to us to be hosted like this and to inspire young women across the world that they too can dream,” she said.
She also acknowledged the support that had propelled the team to success.
“We thank you for lifting us higher. We believe the sky is not our limit—we can break barriers,” she added.
Monday’s reception echoes a similar gesture earlier in the year, when President Tinubu hosted the Super Falcons after their 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title win, also rewarding them with national honours, cash incentives, and housing.
