Following their record fifth consecutive FIBA Women’s AfroBasket win, President Bola Tinubu has conferred national honours, financial gifts, and housing rewards on Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress.
At a presidential reception in their honour at the State House Banquet Hall on Monday, Vice President Kashim Shettima announced that each player will receive $100,000 and a flat, and have also been conferred with the prestigious national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).
Coaching and technical crew to the team will each receive $50,000 and similar housing packages.
The ceremony, attended by top government officials, including First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, the Wife of the Vice President, Nana Shettima; and sports administrators, celebrated the team’s resounding 78–64 victory over Mali in the AfroBasket final held Sunday night at the Palais des Sports de Treichville in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
Vice President Shettima, who received the team on behalf of the President, praised their display of unity, resilience, and excellence.
“You have conquered Africa 78 to 64. It’s not just about tactical superiority, but also about poise, discipline, and the Nigerian spirit. You wore the green and white not just as a jersey but as a symbol of unity—and now you wear the crown as kings of African basketball for the fifth consecutive time”, Shettima declared.
Addressing the players as “daughters of the nation,” Shettima singled out head coach Rena Wakama for special praises, saying “your quiet strength and historic achievements have shattered ceilings. You represent the evolution of leadership in Nigerian sports. You have earned your place as one of the world’s best.”
He also commended Amy Okonkwo, the tournament’s Most Valuable Player, and Ezinne Kalu, top scorer in the final, noting “you played not for yourselves, but for Nigeria. Your victory belongs to all of us.”
Shettima emphasized the administration’s commitment to sports as a national development strategy.
“Sports is not merely entertainment—it is infrastructure, education, diplomacy, youth employment, and economic transformation. Under this government, we are repositioning sports for global competitiveness and sustainable growth”, he said.
He thanked the National Sports Commission, led by Shehu Dikko, and the Nigerian Basketball Federation under Musa Kida, for their support to the team.