President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has celebrated the historic victory of Nigeria’s national women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, who clinched their fifth consecutive FIBA Women’s Afrobasket Championship title by defeating Mali 78–64 in a thrilling final.
Speaking through Vice President Kashim Shettima at a colourful reception held in their honour at the State House Banquet Hall, Abuja, President Tinubu described the triumph as a reflection of Nigeria’s unbeatable winning streak, commending the team for their unity, resilience, and national pride.
“The victory of Nigeria’s national women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, is a shining symbol of unity, resilience, and national pride,” the President declared.
To honour their remarkable achievement, the President announced a $100,000 cash reward for each player and $50,000 for the head coach and each member of the technical crew. He also conferred national honours on the entire team and their officials.
President Tinubu further applauded D’Tigress for becoming the first African team to qualify for the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup Pre-Qualifying Tournament, saying:
“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. You have conquered Africa and opened the door to global greatness.”
The President also praised the leadership of the National Sports Commission, led by Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director General Hon. Bukola Olopade, for their commitment to repositioning Nigerian sports and delivering consistent victories on the global stage.
The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, congratulated the team and described their success as a symbol of hard work, excellence, and national pride.
Speaking at the event, Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman, National Sports Commission, said the victory was not a stroke of luck but the result of deliberate planning and unwavering dedication:
“This victory is not by chance. It is the product of intentional strategy and enduring determination.”
He further noted that Nigeria continues to make strides across all levels of sport:
“Our U-19 women’s basketball team just returned from the World Cup in the Czech Republic, and our university athletes are currently representing Nigeria proudly in Germany. D’Tigers will soon begin their campaign in Angola.”
In his remarks, Hon. Bukola Olopade, Director General of the National Sports Commission, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to sports development:
“Nigeria is rising again. We are proud to lead a new era in sports. Our investments are yielding unprecedented results. We thank President Bola Tinubu for his unwavering support and reforms, which are transforming Nigerian sports. The triumphs of both the Super Falcons and D’Tigress signal an even brighter future ahead.”
The Commission expressed deep appreciation to the coaching crew, technical team, and the players of D’Tigress for their dedication and outstanding performance, which brought great honour to the nation.
Signed
Dr. (Mrs) Kehinde Ajayi, FCAI, ANIPR
Director (Information & Public Relations)
August 5, 2025
