It was the turn of the victorious senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, to smile home with gifts yesterday.
For winning the FIBA Women’s AfroBasketball title for the fifth consecutive time and the seventh overall, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu rewarded members of the team with the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON), $100,000 each, and a three-bedroom flat each.
It was at a presidential reception held in their honour at the State House Banquet Hall.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented the President, made the announcement.
Members of the coaching and technical crew will receive $50,000 each and similar housing packages.
The ceremony, attended by top government officials, including First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the Vice President’s wife Hajia Nana, ministers Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite (Finance, State), Hajia Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim (Women Affairs), Arts and Culture Hanatu Musawa, Chairman National Sports Commission (NSC) Shehu Dikko, Chairman Nigerian Basketball Federation (NBF) Musa Kida and others, celebrated the team’s resounding 78–64 victory over Mali in the AfroBasket final match held on Sunday night at the Palais des Sports de Treichville in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
Shettima praised their display of unity, resilience, and excellence.
“You have conquered Africa 78 to 64. It’s not just about tactical superiority, but also about poise, discipline, and the Nigerian spirit.
“You wore the green and white not just as a jersey but as a symbol of unity—and now you wear the crown as kings of African basketball for the fifth consecutive time”, Shettima declared.
Addressing the players as ‘daughters of the nation’, Shettima singled out Head Coach Rena Wakama for special praise, saying: “Your quiet strength and historic achievements have shattered ceilings. You represent the evolution of leadership in Nigerian sports. You have earned your place as one of the world’s best.”
He also hailed Amy Okonkwo, the tournament’s Most Valuable Player, and Ezinne Kalu, top scorer in the final, noting: “You played not for yourselves, but for Nigeria. Your victory belongs to all of us.”
Shettima emphasised the administration’s commitment to sports as a national development strategy.
