D' Tigress
President Bola Tinubu has honored Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, with national awards and generous cash rewards for their historic victory at the 2025 FIBA Women’s Afrobasket Championship. The team received these accolades for defeating Mali 78-64 in the final, marking their fifth consecutive Afrobasket title and securing an automatic ticket to the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup in Berlin, Germany.
The players and officials were conferred with the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) award, recognizing their outstanding achievement. Each player will receive $100,000, while members of the technical crew will receive $50,000 each. Additionally, each team member and official will be gifted a flat in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
The Nigeria Governors’ Forum, led by Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, added ₦10 million per player and crew member, bringing the total cash rewards to around ₦4.95 billion. This gesture demonstrates the appreciation of the government and the people of Nigeria for the team’s hard work and dedication.
President Tinubu praised D’Tigress for their discipline, dedication, and unwavering spirit, calling them “inspiring role models” for millions of Nigerian youths. He emphasized that sports remain a powerful unifying force in Nigeria and promised to continue investing in grassroots development, infrastructure, and athlete welfare. The President’s recognition of D’Tigress is a testament to the team’s commitment to excellence and their contribution to Nigeria’s sporting heritage.
The recognition of D’Tigress follows a similar state reception President Tinubu hosted for the Super Falcons after their record-extending tenth Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) victory. The government’s support for Nigerian athletes is a welcome development, and it is expected to motivate future generations of athletes to strive for excellence. D’Tigress’s achievement is a source of pride for Nigeria, and their victory is a testament to the country’s rich sporting talent.
