Tinubu Rewards D’Tigress With $100,000 Each, Flats, National Honours For AfroBasket Triumph

Pesident Bola Tinubu has shown appreciation for Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, by offering each player a cash reward of $100,000.

Members of the coaching and technical team are also receiving $50,000 each.

In addition to the money, Tinubu has gifted all players and team officials a three-bedroom home in the Renewed Hope Estate.

The president also awarded them the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).

Vice President Kashim Shettima made the announcement during a reception held in their honour at the State House Banquet Hall in Abuja.

The celebration comes shortly after D’Tigress made history by winning their fifth AfroBasket championship in a row, defeating Mali 78–64 in the final played in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

This marked their seventh overall win in the tournament’s history, confirming their status as Africa’s top women’s basketball team.

The D’Tigress team and their staff arrived at the Presidential Villa around 5:05 p.m., where they were warmly received by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu and the Vice President’s wife, Nana Shettima.

Representing the President, Shettima praised the team for their impressive achievements.

The event was also attended by top government officials, including the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila; Senate Committee Chairman on Youths and Sports Development, Garba Maidoki; and House Committee on Sports Chairman, Kabiru Amadou.

This reception follows a similar event held the previous week for the Super Falcons, Nigeria’s women’s football team, who recently claimed their tenth Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title in Morocco.

During the event, Shettima delivered Tinubu’s message, which praised the D’Tigress for their unity, discipline, and determination.

He said their victory serves as a reminder of how sports can unite a nation and showcase the best of Nigeria.

He said, “Beyond being ambassadors of our nation and symbols of excellence, you have reminded us all of the power of sports to unite a diverse nation. Your victory is a testament to what we can achieve when we work together. You have brought home not just a trophy, but valuable lessons for all Nigerians.

“It is a great honour, on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, to welcome our formidable D’Tigress to the State House. Once again, you are continental champions and now the top African team to qualify for the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup pre-qualifying tournament. You conquered Africa with a score of 78 to 64—showcasing not just tactical skill, but remarkable determination and resilience. The entire nation stands behind you with pride and support.

“My dear daughters, you faced challenges bravely, especially in the final quarter, responding not with panic but with poise. When you wore the green and white, it was more than just a uniform—you wore it with purpose, and now you wear the crown of African basketball for the fifth consecutive time.”

The President also had special praise for Coach Rena Wakama, highlighting her leadership and the inspiration she offers to young girls across Nigeria.

He said, “Coach Rena Wakama, you embody the evolution of leadership in Nigerian sports. Your quiet strength and remarkable achievements have shattered ceilings and inspired countless young girls across Nigeria. You truly deserve your accolades as the best coach in Africa and beyond.

“To Amy Okonkwo, the tournament’s Most Valuable Player, and Ezinne Kalu, the top scorer in the final, your brilliance lifted the whole team, but most importantly, you played for Nigeria and made us all proud.

“Let us reflect on one profound truth: Nigerian women have never failed the nation in sports. From the Super Falcons on the world stage, to record-breakers on the track, and now a basketball dynasty, our women have consistently been a source of pride and have proven that where preparation meets opportunity, Nigerian excellence prevails.”

Tinubu reiterated that his administration sees sports not just as entertainment, but as a key tool for national development, youth empowerment, education, and economic growth.

Tinubu also acknowledged the National Sports Commission, under Mallam Alabi, for driving reforms that have improved athlete welfare and grassroots development.

He thanked the Nigerian Basketball Federation, led by Ahmadu Musa Kida, for its efforts in building a strong and consistent team.

“Special appreciation goes to the National Sports Commission, under Mallam Alabi, for renewed focus on athlete welfare, institutional reform, grassroots support, and performance-based development. The results are evident, and we are proud of you.

“The Nigerian Basketball Federation, led by Malam Ahmadu Musa Kida, also deserves recognition for consistent team development and dedication to Nigeria’s sporting glory.

“Our government will ensure that D’Tigress, their technical team, and sports leadership in Nigeria are appropriately recognized and rewarded. You have made us proud, and we will stand by you as you prepare for the global stage.

“To all Nigerian youth, let the story of D’Tigress inspire you. Greatness stems from hard work, discipline, and belief. Nigeria belongs to those who dare to dream and are willing to give their all to realize those dreams.

“D’Tigress: you are champions, role models, pathfinders, and true daughters of this land. It is my honor and privilege, on behalf of President Tinubu, to announce national honors for the team, coach, and technical staff; $100,000 for each player; $50,000 for the coach and technical team; and more rewards to come.

“This is true leadership—recognizing and rewarding those who have excelled for our nation. May God bless you all, may God bless Nigerian sports, and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he concluded.

This reception follows a similar event held the previous week for the Super Falcons, Nigeria’s women’s football team, who recently claimed their tenth Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title in Morocco.