President Tinubu Gifts D’Tigress $100,000 Each, National Honours and Houses for Historic 7th AfroBasket Victory

RYNI News | Blessing Isiuwa
5 August 2025

ABUJA, NIGERIA — In a momentous celebration of excellence and national pride, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has showered Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, with royal rewards following their historic fifth consecutive AfroBasket Championship victory.

At a grand presidential reception held at the State House Banquet Hall, Abuja, Vice President Kashim Shettima—standing in for the President—announced a generous reward of $100,000 for each player and $50,000 for each member of the coaching and technical crew. Every team member and staff also received a three-bedroom apartment at the Renewed Hope Estate, in addition to the conferral of one of Nigeria’s highest civilian honours—the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).

The victorious D’Tigress, who outclassed Mali 78–64 to clinch their seventh AfroBasket title, were warmly received by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu and Second Lady Nana Shettima, along with top dignitaries including Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, and National Assembly Sports Committee leaders.

In a heartfelt speech, Shettima hailed the players as “symbols of excellence and unity”, emphasizing how their triumph exemplifies the power of teamwork and determination. “When you wore the green and white, it was more than just a uniform—you wore it with purpose. And now, you wear the crown of African basketball with unmatched grace,” he said.

Special accolades were reserved for Head Coach Rena Wakama, who led the team to glory and inspired a new generation of girls in sports. “Coach Wakama, your quiet strength has shattered ceilings. You are not just a coach—you are a movement,” Shettima declared.

Tributes also poured in for standout stars Amy Okonkwo (tournament MVP) and Ezinne Kalu, whose heroics powered Nigeria to a flawless final. “To the young people of Nigeria, D’Tigress is proof that dreams built on discipline and belief will always rise,” Shettima said .

Tinubu’s administration reaffirmed its commitment to sports as a driver of national development. “We see sports not only as entertainment, but as diplomacy, employment, education, and infrastructure,” Shettima noted.

From the court to the corridor of honours, D’Tigress reign not only as African champions—but now as national treasures.

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