August 5, 2025 — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has honoured Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, with national awards, cash prizes, and housing gifts following their historic triumph at the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Championship, where they clinched their fifth consecutive continental title.
Speaking during a reception held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Monday, President Tinubu praised the team’s resilience, discipline, and unwavering patriotism. He announced that each member of the victorious squad will receive the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) honour, $100,000 in cash, and a house in the Federal Capital Territory.
“D’Tigress has once again shown the world the spirit of Nigerian excellence. You played with passion, defended our colours, and brought home pride. This country is grateful,” President Tinubu said during the event.
He emphasized that the players have not only brought glory to Nigeria but have also inspired millions of young girls across Africa to chase their dreams, regardless of the odds. He urged other athletes and public servants to emulate the team’s commitment, focus, and sense of duty.
The Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Enoh, who was present at the ceremony, commended the President for recognizing the team’s efforts and fulfilling his pledge to reward outstanding athletes. He noted that D’Tigress’s performance throughout the tournament, including their emphatic final victory, was a reflection of years of dedication and investment in women’s sports.
Team captain Amy Okonkwo, who was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP), expressed appreciation on behalf of the squad. “We are overwhelmed with joy. These rewards go beyond the material—they are validation that our sacrifices matter. We thank Mr. President and the Nigerian people for believing in us,” she said.
D’Tigress made history this year by becoming the first African team to win the AfroBasket title five times in a row, and seven times overall, solidifying their dominance on the continent.
President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting sports development, particularly in women’s categories, and pledged to further invest in grassroots talent development and sports infrastructure nationwide.
