Tinubu Gifts D’Tigress $100,000, Homes, National Honours for AfroBasket Victory 

By: Arinzechi Chukwunonso

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has honoured Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, with $100,000 each, a three-bedroom apartment in Abuja, and the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) after their record-breaking performance at the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Championship.

The reward was announced during a special reception at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, following D’Tigress’ 78–64 victory over Mali in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire—a win that secured their fifth consecutive AfroBasket title and seventh overall, an unprecedented feat in African women’s basketball.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, who received the team on the President’s behalf, hailed their discipline and excellence.

“This administration will continue to honour excellence. Your hard work has not gone unnoticed. You have made Nigeria proud, and it is only fitting that the nation celebrates you in return,” Shettima said.

Members of the technical crew were also recognised, each receiving $50,000 and national honours for their pivotal role in the team’s success.

The gesture reflects the government’s commitment to women’s sports, coming months after similar recognition for the Super Falcons’ 2024 WAFCON triumph.

Team captain and tournament MVP, Amy Okonkwo, expressed gratitude on behalf of her teammates:

“This is a moment we will never forget. We thank President Tinubu for this honour and for believing in women’s basketball. This will motivate us to go even further.”

D’Tigress’ latest victory also extended their unbeaten AfroBasket streak to 25 games since 2015, reaffirming their dominance as Africa’s basketball powerhouse.