President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Monday, celebrated Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, in a grand ceremony held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, in recognition of their historic victory at the 2025 FIBA Women’s Afrobasket Championship.
In an atmosphere charged with national pride and excitement, the President conferred national honours on each member of the victorious squad and announced a generous cash reward of $100,000 per player. The coaching and technical crew were not left out, with each receiving $50,000 in appreciation of their vital role in leading the team to continental glory.
D’Tigress cemented their dominance in African women’s basketball by claiming their fourth consecutive Afrobasket title, having defeated Senegal in a tense and energetic final. The win marks Nigeria’s sixth overall title in the competition’s history and further affirms the team’s place as one of the most formidable forces in African basketball.
While addressing the players, coaching staff, sports officials, and guests at the Villa, President Tinubu lauded D’Tigress for their unrelenting spirit, discipline, and commitment to excellence. He described their performance not just as a victory on the court, but as a powerful symbol of national unity, hope, and resilience.
“You have brought immense pride to Nigeria,” Tinubu stated. “By lifting the Afrobasket trophy four times in a row, you have proven that Nigerian excellence knows no bounds. Your determination and dedication represent the very best of what it means to be Nigerian.”
The President emphasized that the accomplishments of D’Tigress would serve as an enduring source of inspiration for millions of young Nigerians, particularly girls aspiring to greatness in sports and other endeavors. He noted that the team had become role models whose journey showcased the strength, intelligence, and resilience of Nigerian women.
The celebration at the State House was attended by key officials including the Minister of Sports Development, relevant basketball federation representatives, and members of the media. Many observers hailed the President’s gesture as a long-overdue show of appreciation for the remarkable strides made by Nigerian female athletes on the global stage.
The recognition comes amid growing calls for increased investment and support for women’s sports in Nigeria. Analysts believe that the President’s cash reward and national honor will set a precedent for future administrations to recognize and reward sporting excellence, especially in disciplines that have consistently brought glory to the country.
As D’Tigress continue to prepare for future global tournaments, including the Olympics and the FIBA World Cup, their 2025 triumph is expected to remain a rallying point for national celebration and a catalyst for deeper reforms in the sports sector.