President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has celebrated the incredible achievements of Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, by bestowing upon them national honours and announcing significant financial rewards. The recognition comes in the wake of their triumphant campaign at the 2025 FIBA Women’s Afrobasket Championship, where the team delivered a series of remarkable performances to claim the continental title.
At a special reception hosted on Monday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, President Tinubu personally received the team and their officials, acknowledging their excellence and unrelenting spirit. In a grand gesture of appreciation, he awarded each player of the Afrobasket-winning squad a cash gift of $100,000, while members of the technical crew were each granted $50,000 in recognition of their crucial support throughout the tournament.
In his remarks, President Tinubu praised the team for their exceptional discipline, resilience, and passion, stating that their victory served as a powerful unifier for the country. He commended them not just for their success on the court, but also for their ability to inspire millions of Nigerian youth and elevate the nation’s image globally.
“You have demonstrated through your dedication and hard work that Nigeria can achieve greatness,” Tinubu declared. “Your triumph is a reminder of what can be accomplished when we come together as one people, determined to represent our country with honour and dignity.”
D’Tigress clinched the 2025 Afrobasket title after a thrilling final match in which they overcame long-time rivals Mali. The victory not only earned them another gold medal but also marked their fourth consecutive championship win, an unprecedented feat that solidifies their dominance in African women’s basketball and sets a new benchmark for excellence on the continent.
This historic accomplishment has elevated the profile of Nigerian women’s basketball and sparked celebration across the country. The President’s recognition of the team is viewed as both a reward and a strategic investment in the future of sports development in Nigeria.
President Tinubu further reiterated his administration’s commitment to supporting sporting talents and ensuring that athletes who bring glory to the nation are properly recognised and rewarded. He also assured stakeholders that the government would continue to invest in infrastructure, training, and welfare to ensure sustained success in the sporting sector.
The reception concluded with a group photo, applause from dignitaries present, and the presentation of medals and plaques to members of the team and coaching staff. The players expressed their gratitude to the President and pledged to continue working hard to bring more international laurels to Nigeria.