President Bola Tinubu has conferred national honours on the players and technical crew of Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, following their historic fifth consecutive title at the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Championship.
At a presidential reception held Monday at the Presidential Villa, Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented President Tinubu, awarded each player and technical team member the title of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).
Additionally, the President approved a flat for every player, coach, and crew member, alongside cash awards of the naira equivalent of $100,000 for each player and $50,000 for the coaching and technical staff.
President Tinubu commended the team for becoming the first African side to qualify for the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup Pre-Qualifying Tournament.
“It is my profound honour and pleasure to welcome to the State House our remarkable women’s national basketball team, D’Tigress — continental champions once more, and now the first African team to qualify for the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup Pre-Qualifying Tournament,” he said. “You have conquered Africa and opened the door to global greatness.”
He described their 78–64 victory over Mali as “a powerful statement of Nigerian resilience, tactical excellence, and national pride.”
The President singled out Coach Rena Wakama for praise, calling her “a symbol of the evolution of leadership in Nigerian sports,” and commended her for inspiring young girls nationwide. He also recognised the tournament MVP, Amy Okonkwo, and final top scorer Ezinne Kalu for their outstanding contributions.
Highlighting the role of Nigerian women in sports, Tinubu said, “From the Super Falcons standing tall on the world stage to our athletes breaking records on the track and D’Tigress building a basketball dynasty, our women have consistently made us proud.”
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to repositioning sports as a tool for youth employment and national development, and applauded the National Sports Commission and Nigeria Basketball Federation for their strategic work.
First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu also lauded the team, describing their victory as a symbol of “hard work, excellence, and national pride.” She noted that the triumph would inspire generations of Nigerian girls.
D’Tigress captain and MVP Amy Okonkwo expressed gratitude to the President and First Lady, saying the team was proud to represent Nigeria and to serve as role models for young girls around the world.
