NBBF Condoles with D’Tigress Star Victoria Macaulay Over Father’s Death
The Nigeria Basketball Federation has expressed its condolences to D’Tigress star Victoria Macaulay and her family following the death of her father, Lanre Macaulay, in the United States after an illness.
NBBF President Ahmadu Musa Kida, on behalf of the federation’s board, players, coaches and the Nigerian basketball family, sympathised with Macaulay and her family during the difficult period.
Kida said the loss would be felt across the Nigerian basketball community, noting that Macaulay’s career with the national team had been supported by a father who took pride in watching his daughter represent Nigeria around the world.
‘Victoria has given so much to Nigeria and to D’Tigress over the years. At a moment like this, the entire Nigerian basketball family stands with her and her family. We pray that they find strength and comfort in the memories and love they shared with their father,’ Kida said.
Lanre Macaulay was a strong supporter of his daughter’s basketball career and travelled to watch her represent Nigeria at international competitions.
Victoria Macaulay joined D’Tigress in 2019 and has since featured at major international competitions, including the Olympic Games, AfroBasket and the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup.
She was part of Nigeria’s AfroBasket championship-winning teams in 2019, 2021 and 2025, contributing to the team’s continued dominance on the continent.
Macaulay was also among Nigeria’s standout players at the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Qualifying Tournament in Lyon, where she averaged 13.6 points, six rebounds and 2.4 assists in five games before featuring at the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup.
The Temple University graduate has also enjoyed an extensive professional career in the United States and Europe, including WNBA experience and spells with leading European clubs.
Kida said the federation’s support for Macaulay at the time extends beyond her role as a basketball player.
‘Victoria is part of our family. She has represented Nigeria with commitment and pride for many years, and today our responsibility is simply to stand beside her. On behalf of the NBBF Board and everyone connected to Nigerian basketball, we extend our deepest condolences to Victoria, her family and everyone who knew and loved her father,’ he said.
The NBBF prayed for the eternal rest of Lanre Macaulay and strength for Victoria and the entire Macaulay family to bear the loss.
