D’Tigress Get Rewarded! Tinubu Presents Houses, National Honours To Champions

The Federal Government has delivered on its commitments to Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, following their victory at the 2025 Afrobasket Championship.

Players and team officials received certificates of national honours as well as title documents for houses allocated to them in Abuja. The presentation ceremony was held in Lyon, France, where the team is currently preparing for the FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifying Tournament.

The documents were presented by Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, and the Commission’s Director General, Bukola Olopade, alongside other government representatives.

The rewards were originally announced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu after D’Tigress secured the Afrobasket title in August 2025 in Côte d’Ivoire.

Speaking at the event, Dikko commended the President for promptly fulfilling the promise, noting that it marks a departure from the past, when athletes often waited years for government commitments to be honoured.

He expressed appreciation to the President for restoring confidence in Nigerian sports and emphasised that sporting success can positively transform athletes’ lives. He added that the President’s gesture was a recognition of the team’s consistent excellence, patriotism, and determination on the global stage.

Dikko further disclosed that the promised cash rewards for the players were in the final stages of processing and would soon be credited to their accounts.

Olopade described the development as evidence of a renewed commitment to sports advancement under the current administration, stating that the reward system is already producing positive outcomes.

He affirmed that athletes who perform well for the country can expect timely recognition and appreciation.

The President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBF), Musa Kida, thanked the President for prioritising athletes’ welfare.

Head coach Rena Wakama expressed gratitude for the recognition and reaffirmed the team’s commitment to continued success.

Team captain Amy Okonkwo also conveyed appreciation on behalf of the squad, pledging that D’Tigress will remain dedicated to representing Nigeria with pride. 🏀🇳🇬