By Prosper Mene
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has rewarded Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, for their historic fifth consecutive Women’s AfroBasket Championship win. Each player will receive $100,000 (about ₦150 million), a three-bedroom flat in Abuja’s Renewed Hope Housing Estate, and the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) national honor.
The technical crew will get $50,000 each, the same OON award, and apartments.The announcement was made during a lively reception at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, celebrating the team’s victory over Mali in the 2025 AfroBasket final. D’Tigress secured the title with standout performances, including an 83-47 win against Cameroon in the semifinals and a 75-68 victory over Senegal, showing their skill and determination.“You’ve brought pride and unity to Nigeria,” President Tinubu said, praising the team’s inspiring performance. He shared how his wife, First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, kept him updated on their games, highlighting the nation’s excitement. The First Lady called D’Tigress role models for young girls, urging them to aim for global success.
Team captain and tournament MVP Amy Okonkwo thanked the President, dedicating the win to Nigerians, especially young dreamers. She called for more support to boost Nigeria’s global basketball standing. Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, praised the team’s success as a reflection of President Tinubu’s focus on sports and women’s empowerment.
The Nigeria Governors’ Forum, led by Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, added ₦10 million per player and crew member, bringing the team’s total cash rewards to around ₦4.95 billion. Fans celebrated on social media, with D’Tigress’ playful X post about their “$100,000 dance” for the President going viral, synonymous with the Super Falcons’ rewards for their 2024 WAFCON win.
While many Nigerians hailed the rewards as well-deserved, some questioned the large sums amid economic challenges. The rewards shows President Tinubu’s commitment to sports as a unifying force, with D’Tigress’ victory inspiring hope for Nigeria’s future in global women’s basketball.
