Tinubu Honours D’Tigress with $100,000 Each and a Flat and OON National Honour
In a moment steeped in pride, history, and celebration, the Grand Reception Hall of the Presidential Villa brimmed with elegance and euphoria as the nation paid homage to its basketball heroines—D’Tigress, the Nigerian Women’s National Basketball Team. The reception, hosted in honor of their recent triumph at the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Championship, was presided over by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in this official state recognition.
In an awe-inspiring gesture befitting champions of such stature, President Tinubu announced a cascade of generous rewards to commemorate their victory:
$100,000 to each player
A luxury flat allocated to every team member
$50,000 for each member of the technical crew, including Head Coach Rena Wakama
The prestigious national honor of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) conferred on all team members
These accolades not only mirror the team’s brilliance on the court but also reaffirm the government’s unwavering commitment to nurturing excellence in sports and celebrating the achievements of Nigerian women.
Beyond the glittering prizes and impassioned speeches, this reception marked a pivotal moment—a crescendo of admiration and acknowledgment for a team that has redefined African basketball.
D’Tigress, with their relentless drive and seamless coordination, etched a new chapter in history by securing their fifth consecutive AfroBasket title, an unprecedented feat on the continent.
Their victory in Abidjan came against formidable rivals, Mali, with a resounding 78–64 win that showcased strategic prowess, athletic grace, and unbreakable camaraderie.
Under the watchful guidance of Coach Rena Wakama, the first female coach to steer the team to consecutive continental victories, and the visionary leadership of Musa Kida, President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation, D’Tigress have extended their winning streak to 29-0 and secured qualification for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup.
Their success reverberates beyond the hardwood—it is a call to future generations, a testimony to the heights that can be reached when ambition meets opportunity, and a shining symbol of Nigerian excellence.
