ABUJA — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has honored Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, with significant rewards following their historic triumph at the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Championship.

Each player was awarded $100,000, while members of the coaching and technical crew received $50,000 each. Additionally, all team members and staff were gifted three-bedroom flats at the Renewed Hope Estate.

In recognition of their achievements, President Tinubu also conferred on the team and crew the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).

This celebration mirrors the state reception held for the Super Falcons last week, following their record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title win in Rabat, Morocco.

D’Tigress clinched their fifth consecutive AfroBasket title—and seventh overall—by defeating Mali 78–64 in the final at the Palais des Sports de Treichville in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. Their continued dominance on the African stage has remained unbroken since 2017.

Vice President Kashim Shettima announced the rewards during a special ceremony held in their honour on Monday at the State House Banquet Hall in Abuja.

He praised the team’s unwavering spirit and composure, stating:

“You didn’t just wear green and white as a jersey—you wore it as a symbol of unity. Now, you wear the crown as queens of African basketball for the fifth time in a row.”

Shettima highlighted the leadership of Coach Rena Wakama, celebrating her as a trailblazer in Nigerian sports:

“Your calm strength and historic accomplishments have broken barriers and inspired many young Nigerian girls. Your recognition as the best coach in Africa and globally is well-deserved.”

He also spotlighted standout players Amy Okonkwo—the tournament's Most Valuable Player—and Ezinne Kalu, the top scorer in the final, applauding their contribution to the team’s success.

Reflecting on the larger role of women in Nigerian sports, the vice president noted:

“Nigerian women have never failed us in sports—from the Super Falcons to record-setting track athletes, and now D’Tigress—they exemplify excellence when opportunity meets preparation.”

He extended gratitude to the National Sports Commission, led by Mallam Alabi, and the Nigerian Basketball Federation, chaired by Ahmadu Musa Kida, for their commitment to athlete welfare and grassroots development.

“Malam Musa Kida, who I know personally, has invested heavily in advancing basketball in Nigeria,” Shettima added.

He concluded by reaffirming the president’s commitment to honouring sports excellence:

“These national honours and financial rewards reflect President Tinubu’s appreciation for our daughters who have brought pride to the nation.”

Also present at the reception were First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, Hajiya Nana Shettima (wife of the vice president), and Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to the President.

In her remarks, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu said:

“This isn’t just a victory on the court—it’s a bold statement of resilience, unity, and national pride. You are ambassadors of sports and role models to Nigerian girls everywhere.”

She emphasized the importance of teamwork and hard work, calling the win a timely celebration of Nigerian sporting excellence alongside the Super Falcons' recent triumph.

Speaking on behalf of the team, Amy Okonkwo expressed gratitude:

“We are deeply thankful for this recognition and honoured to represent Nigeria. This means so much to us, and we are proud to carry this legacy forward.”

Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, also praised the team’s accomplishment, calling it a landmark moment for both basketball and women’s sports in Nigeria.

“Just last week we celebrated the Super Falcons. Today, we honour D’Tigress. Our women are writing golden chapters in Nigeria’s sports history,” Dikko stated.