President Tinubu Celebrates D’Tigress With $100,000 Cash Gifts, National Honors, and Housing Packages Following Historic AfroBasket Victory.
In a grand show of appreciation and national pride, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has honored Nigeria’s national women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, for their remarkable achievement in winning their fifth consecutive AfroBasket championship title. Each player of the victorious squad has been rewarded with a monetary gift of $100,000, while each member of the 11-person coaching and technical crew received $50,000 in recognition of their dedication and excellence.
D’Tigress $100,000 Cash Prizes and more
In addition to the financial rewards, President Tinubu also approved a significant housing benefit for the entire team and their staff, granting them three-bedroom apartments located at the Renewed Hope Estate—a government-backed residential development aimed at improving living conditions for distinguished Nigerians.
To further solidify their place in the nation’s history, the President conferred the prestigious national honor of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) on all players and technical officials—a recognition reserved for individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the country’s growth and reputation.
Reception at the Presidential Villa
These announcements were made by Vice President Kashim Shettima during a special reception held in honor of the team at the State House Banquet Hall in Abuja. The event, filled with celebration and national pride, began at 5:05 PM and was attended by several dignitaries, including First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, who was joined by Nana Shettima, the wife of the Vice President, in welcoming the champions.
Vice President Shettima received D’Tigress on behalf of President Tinubu and congratulated them for their outstanding display of teamwork, resilience, and patriotism. Their latest victory came after defeating Mali 78–64 in a thrilling final match held at the Palais des Sports de Treichville in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. With this win, D’Tigress secured their seventh AfroBasket title overall, cementing their dominance in African women’s basketball.
The high-profile event mirrored a similar ceremony held a week earlier to celebrate the Super Falcons, Nigeria’s national women’s football team, following their historic 10th WAFCON championship win in Rabat, Morocco.
Tinubu Applauds D’Tigress’ Legacy and Leadership
In his address, delivered by the Vice President, President Tinubu hailed the team not only for their athletic success but also for serving as symbols of unity, determination, and national pride.
“You have not just returned home with a trophy—you have returned with a powerful message for all Nigerians: when we work together with purpose and discipline, we are unstoppable,” Shettima said. “You have worn the green and white with pride, not just as colors, but as a promise to make Nigeria proud—and you have delivered beyond expectation.”
He highlighted the importance of sports in national development, stating that beyond entertainment, sports serve as a tool for diplomacy, youth empowerment, education, and economic transformation.
Special Praise for Coach Rena Wakama and D’Tigress Players
Tinubu reserved special commendation for Head Coach Rena Wakama, describing her as a trailblazer and an embodiment of rising female leadership in Nigeria. Her success, he said, has inspired countless young Nigerian girls to believe in their potential.
“Coach Rena Wakama has not only broken barriers—she has redefined leadership in sports. Her calm strength and tactical brilliance are an inspiration to the next generation. She is truly worthy of her recognition as Africa’s best,” he noted.
A Broader Vision for Nigerian Sports
The President also celebrated individual players such as Amy Okonkwo, who earned the Most Valuable Player (MVP) title of the tournament, and Ezinne Kalu, the top scorer in the final game. He emphasized that while individual brilliance shone through, the victory was ultimately a team effort fueled by collective discipline, training, and self-belief.
President Tinubu used the occasion to reiterate his administration’s commitment to promoting sports as a pillar of national policy. He acknowledged the contributions of the National Sports Commission, under the leadership of Mallam Alabi, for its renewed efforts toward athlete welfare, grassroots development, and institutional reform.
“We commend the Sports Commission and the Nigerian Basketball Federation, under the stewardship of Malam Ahmadu Musa Kida, for their relentless work in strengthening Nigerian basketball and providing opportunities for our youth to thrive,” he stated.
The government, Tinubu assured, will continue to support D’Tigress and ensure they are well-prepared for the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup pre-qualifying tournament, where they will represent Africa as its top-ranked team.
Message to Nigerian Youth
In his closing remarks, the President addressed Nigerian youth directly, encouraging them to learn from D’Tigress’ journey.
“To every young Nigerian dreaming of greatness, let the story of D’Tigress inspire you. They have shown that hard work, discipline, and unity are the keys to success. Nigeria belongs to those who are willing to strive, to dream, and to achieve,” he declared.
“D’Tigress, you are more than champions—you are role models, pioneers, and national treasures. It is both a privilege and an honor, on behalf of the President, to announce these rewards and national recognitions. This is what true leadership looks like—celebrating those who uplift the nation.”
As the ceremony came to a close, Vice President Shettima offered a prayer for continued success in Nigerian sports and reaffirmed the federal government’s unwavering support for all national athletes striving to bring glory to the country.
