*President Hosts Victorious D’Tigress National Basketball Team to a Presidential Reception
By Victor Okoye
Abuja, Aug. 4, 2025 – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has pledged $100,000 to each of the 12 D’Tigress players and $50,000 to each member of the technical crew following their triumphant victory over Mali to secure a historic fifth consecutive title at the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Championship in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
The announcement was made during a Presidential Reception held at the State House to honour the national team on their return to the country.
Under the leadership of Coach Rena Wakama, D’Tigress defeated Mali 78–64 at the Palais des Sports de Treichville, cementing their dominance in African women’s basketball.
President Tinubu, represented by Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima, expressed profound pride and admiration for the team’s outstanding achievement.
“Beyond being ambassadors of this great nation and symbols of excellence, you have once again reminded us of the promise of sports in a nation this diverse,” the Vice President said.
“This victory is what happens when we walk together. You have conquered Africa 78 to 64. It’s a declaration not only of your tactical brilliance but of your unity, composure, and discipline. I assure you, you go forth with the blessings and support of the entire nation.”
In his address, the Vice President also drew a connection between the team’s achievement and Nigeria’s broader success in sports.
“Your victory comes at a time when Nigeria is basking in sporting glory following the Super Falcons’ recent triumph. We haven’t even fully recovered from that joy — and now, D’Tigress gives us another reason to celebrate.”
“To all our remarkable players — and to Coach Rena Wakama and her technical team — your leadership and resilience have paid off. Your performance is highly commendable. You embody courage and commitment. I pray your journey in life continues to be filled with success and light for many more victories to come. Once again, congratulations.”
The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, also praised the team, highlighting the values that led to their success.
“My dear daughters, you fought back from behind in the first quarter — not with panic, but with poise. You wore the green and white not just as a uniform, but as a symbol of unity — and now, you wear the crown as champions of African basketball for the fifth consecutive time,” she said.
The First Lady described the D’Tigress team as “ambassadors of sports and of a great nation”, stressing that their victory reflects the power of hard work, discipline, and teamwork.
She also noted the significance of their win at a time when Nigeria is already celebrating several sporting milestones.
In addition to the cash rewards, each team member and official was gifted a flat and conferred with the National Honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).
“I do not think the sky is our limit. I believe we can go beyond that,” Vice President Shettima added.
Team Captain Annie Okonkwo expressed gratitude on behalf of the players, thanking the President and the First Lady for their unwavering support throughout the tournament.
“It is a thing of pride for us to represent our great nation. Your support gave us strength, and we are grateful,” she said.
D’Tigress head coach, Rena Wakama, praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his “life-changing” gesture.
She expressed deep appreciation for the recognition and reward.
Wakama, who made history as the first woman to win back-to-back AfroBasket titles as head coach, said the gesture would leave a lasting impact on the players and staff.
“We’re so thankful — so, so thankful — to His Excellency, President Tinubu.This is life-changing for some of these girls, and life-changing for us.This is exactly what we need — renewed hope.We’re grateful, and we look forward to even more support in the future,” she said.
She attributed the team’s victory in Côte d’Ivoire to their unity, determination, and shared love for country and basketball.
“It was easy representing Nigeria — a country and a sport that we love deeply.When you love your country, your teammates, and the game, everything falls into place.”
Wakama, who also serves as an assistant coach with WNBA side Chicago Sky, earlier voiced hopes that her success would inspire more women to pursue leadership roles in sports.
“It breaks my heart, but I know change has started with me.To be a woman and get an opportunity to coach at this level is a good sign for others.I’m thankful to the NBBF President for trusting me to lead this team and do my job.I hope I’m not the last — and that I’ve inspired other women to take bold steps into coaching.”
The 33-year-old urged Nigerians to continue rallying behind the team as they prepare for their next major challenge — the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Berlin, Germany.
