‘We Came Home to Love, and We’ll Give Even More’: D’Tigress Thank Nigeria for Unforgettable Homecoming
The players and officials of D’Tigress, Nigeria’s indomitable women’s basketball team, are still wrapped in the warmth of a nation’s embrace after their record-breaking fifth consecutive Afrobasket title in Côte d’Ivoire. What began as a mission to defend their crown has turned into a celebration of unity, pride, and overwhelming gratitude.
From the moment they touched down in Nigeria aboard a chartered flight arranged by the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), the team was treated like royalty. Their first stop: the Presidential Villa, where they presented the trophy to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, in a moment that felt like a dream.
For team captain Amy Okonkwo, who was also named Most Valuable Player of the tournament, the experience has been nothing short of life-changing.
‘My girls and I are sincerely overwhelmed. To see how the entire country welcomed us and showed us love—it’s indescribable. We’re more motivated than ever to give even more to Nigeria.”
She spoke with emotion about the support from the highest levels of government, especially the women leaders who stood by them.
‘Mr. President showed us fatherly love and gave us hope for the future. And our mothers—the Minister of Women Affairs, the Minister of Culture and Creative Economy, and the Minister of State for Finance—have been so inspiring. Their presence meant everything to us.’
Amy also praised the leadership of the NSC, led by Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director-General Hon. Bukola Olopade, for their unwavering commitment to the team’s welfare and success.
‘We’ve never had it this good. The NSC truly cared for us—not just as athletes, but as daughters of the nation.’
She reserved special thanks for Corporate Nigeria, especially Zenith Bank Plc, whose long-standing support for basketball has been a pillar of strength.
‘Zenith Bank has been our backbone. And NNPC too—we’re excited about all they’re planning for Nigerian basketball. Their belief in us is powerful.’
Her deepest appreciation was for the NBBF, led by President Engr Musa Kida, whose leadership she described as the heartbeat of their success.
‘None of this would have happened without Engr Musa Kida. His sacrifices, his vision, his love for the game and for us—we feel it every day. He’s our father and our leader. Alongside our GM Musa Adamu and the board, they’ve carried us to this moment.’
Engr Musa Kida, in turn, thanked everyone who made the team’s victory a national celebration, expressing hope that this triumph would usher in a new era for basketball in Nigeria.
