Nigerian Government Rewards D’Tigress for AfroBasket Victory

The Nigerian Government has fulfilled its promise to the women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, following their victory at the 2025 International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Women’s AfroBasket tournament in Côte d’Ivoire.

The National Sports Commission confirmed on Monday that players have now received their national honour certificates and housing allocation documents.

The presentation was made in Lyon, France, where the team is currently competing in the FIBA Women’s World Cup qualifying tournament.

The rewards follow a pledge made by President Bola Tinubu after the team’s historic performance at the continental championship.

In August 2025, the president approved a special package that included national honours, cash rewards, and housing for the players.

Each player was awarded the Order of the Niger (OON), along with $100,000 and a housing unit in Abuja. Members of the technical crew, led by head coach Rena Wakama, were also granted $50,000 each.

Nigerian Government Rewards D’Tigress for AfroBasket Victory. Credit: Channels.

The announcement was made when the team was hosted in Abuja after securing a record fifth consecutive AfroBasket title.

A similar package was later extended to the Super Falcons following their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations victory in Morocco.

D’Tigress claimed the AfroBasket title on August 3, 2025, defeating Mali 78-64 in the final to secure their seventh continental crown.

The closely contested game saw Nigeria enter the final quarter with a narrow lead before pulling away to seal the win.

Standout performances from Amy Okonkwo and Ezinne Kalu played a key role in the victory.

The triumph further cemented the team’s dominance in African basketball, extending their unbeaten run to 29 consecutive games since 2015.

Meanwhile, D’Tigress are currently competing in the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Qualifying Tournament in Lyon, which runs from March 11 to March 17.

The team has recorded victories over Colombia and the Philippines but suffered defeats to South Korea and France. They will conclude their qualifying campaign with a final match against Germany on March 17.