President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has showered praise and a host of national awards on Nigeria's national women's basketball team, D'Tigress, following their historic victory at the 2025 FIBA Women's AfroBasket tournament. The team, which secured an unprecedented fifth consecutive title and their seventh overall, was received at the State House in Abuja with a grand reception.
In a move to recognize their outstanding performance and dedication, President Tinubu, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, announced a cash gift of $100,000 for each player. In addition to the monetary reward, the victorious players were also conferred with national honors and a plot of land each. The technical crew members were not left out, as they were awarded $50,000 each in recognition of their vital role in the team's success.
The President's gesture comes just a week after he similarly celebrated the Super Falcons for their victory in the WAFCON final. This signals a renewed commitment from the government to acknowledge and reward the achievements of Nigerian athletes on the international stage.
D'Tigress, led by Head Coach Rena Wakama, defeated Mali 78–64 in the final in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. The victory not only cemented their dominance in African women's basketball but also extended their unbeaten streak in the tournament to a full decade. The team's captain, Amy Okonkwo, was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament for the second consecutive time, highlighting the individual brilliance that complements the team's collective strength.
During the reception, the President commended the team's resilience, discipline, and teamwork, describing them as role models for the nation's youth and a symbol of national pride. He lauded their ability to embody the "indomitable Nigerian spirit" and stressed that their success was a testament to the rewards of hard work and unity. The President also assured the team of the government's continued support as they prepare for the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup qualifiers.
This historic win for D'Tigress and the subsequent recognition from the presidency have been widely celebrated across the country, with many seeing it as a sign of a new era for Nigerian sports. The team's "Mission V" (referring to their fifth consecutive title) has been declared a resounding success, and the nation celebrates their achievement with pride and renewed hope.