President of the Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has showered praise, cash rewards, and national honours on Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, after their historic triumph at the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket in Côte d’Ivoire.
Nigeria defeated Mali 78-64 on Sunday at the Palais des Sports de Treichville in Abidjan, sealing their fifth consecutive AfroBasket title and seventh overall.
This makes the female basketball national team the most dominant team in the tournament’s history.
President Gifts $100K, National Honours, and Abuja Flats to D’Tigress
During a grand reception held on Monday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented President Tinubu, announced monumental rewards:
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$100,000 cash for each player
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$50,000 for each member of the technical crew
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A house (flat) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for every player and official
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National honours conferred on all team members
Presidential Backing Before the Final
In a strong show of support before the final, President Tinubu sent a Presidential Delegation to Abidjan, led by Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission.
He announced the move via social media platform X (formerly Twitter), stating:
“I have dispatched a Presidential Delegation to Abidjan to stand with our superlative D’Tigress as they pursue a fifth consecutive AfroBasket title for Nigeria.” #MissionV
“Led by the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, this team of senior government officials represents the full weight of our national pride, belief, and support.”
“Our girls have shown character, discipline, and the Nigerian spirit in every game.”
”As they prepare for the final in two hours, we stand behind them – not just as fans, but as a grateful nation inspired by their excellence.”
Go for gold. Go for glory, girls! 🇳🇬
~ President Bola Ahmed Tinubu”
Victory Sealed, Mission Accomplished
Following the commanding victory over Mali, the President wasted no time in congratulating the team online, posting:
“You did it, girls! @DtigressNG
“Superb performance to become 5x consecutive Champions of Africa and seventh overall.”
“Well done, Coach Rena and the team.”
“You have made Nigeria proud. I am expecting you all, along with the trophy.”
“#MissionV – Done & Dusted”
Next Stop: FIBA Women’s World Cup in Berlin
With their AfroBasket triumph, D’Tigress automatically qualified for the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup set to take place in Berlin, Germany.
