Our Reporter, Abuja
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced generous rewards for Nigeria’s national women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, following their historic victory at the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Championship, where they secured their fifth consecutive title and seventh overall.
In a demonstration of equity and national appreciation, the President has extended the same level of recognition previously accorded to the Super Falcons to the victorious D’Tigress squad.
Each member of the championship-winning team will receive a plot of land and a cash gift of $100,000, while members of the technical crew will be rewarded with $50,000 each. In addition, both players and coaching staff will be conferred with the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).
The gesture comes after D’Tigress’ commanding 78–64 victory over Mali in the AfroBasket finals played Sunday night at the Palais des Sports de Treichville in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
President Tinubu, who had earlier praised the team’s skill, resilience, and unity, reiterated that no effort would go unrewarded under his administration, regardless of gender or discipline.
“There will be no discrimination in how we honour those who raise our flag high. Our daughters have made Nigeria proud once again, and it is only right that we reward their excellence accordingly,” the President said.
He noted that the rewards were a reflection of the country’s gratitude for their sacrifice and excellence, and a deliberate effort to promote fairness and gender equality in national recognition.
The announcement has been widely lauded as a progressive step toward equity in sports recognition, with stakeholders commending the President for ensuring that D’Tigress received the same treatment as their football counterparts, the Super Falcons.
President Tinubu had earlier congratulated D’Tigress, on their historic victory at the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket tournament.
In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu hailed the team’s remarkable performance after they defeated Mali 78-64 in the final played Sunday night at the Palais des Sports de Treichville in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
Led by Head Coach Rena Wakama, the Nigerian side overcame a slow start, having lost the first quarter, to dominate the remaining quarters of the high-stakes encounter and emerge champions once again.
President Tinubu commended the players for displaying “skill, resilience, determination, and teamwork,” describing their effort as a source of national pride and a powerful inspiration to young Nigerian girls.
“Your superb performance throughout the competition has made Nigeria proud. Like the Super Falcons, you have inspired our young ladies,” the President stated. “You embodied the indomitable Nigerian spirit, the power of unity, and the rewards of hard work.”
He further noted that by winning the AfroBasket trophy for the fifth time in a row, D’Tigress had not only etched their names in history but also showcased Africa’s growing prominence on the global basketball stage.
The President extended his appreciation to Coach Wakama and her technical crew for their exemplary leadership, as well as the Nigeria Basketball Federation for their steadfast support of the team.
“The Federal Government and Nigerians will never forget the sacrifices and remain grateful for the highly elevating performances,” Tinubu said.
“The government and the people of Nigeria celebrate you and assure you of our continued support as you prepare for the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup qualifying tournaments next March.”
President Tinubu also expressed his desire to personally receive the team and their trophy in Abuja, while wishing them a safe journey back home.
