Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, have thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu after receiving the financial rewards promised for their triumph at the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket championship.
Presidential rewards completed
The payments mark the completion of the reward package announced by the presidency to recognise D’Tigress’ historic continental success.
The process was finalised after National Sports Commission Chairman Shehu Dikko met with Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Taiwo Oyedele to resolve all outstanding sports-related rewards.
Administrative arrangements were concluded, and within three days the players and officials of both D’Tigress and the Super Falcons had received their complete financial packages in their personal bank accounts.
Okonkwo praises support for athletes
D’Tigress captain Amy Okonkwo spoke for the team, praising President Tinubu as a father figure who has shown a strong commitment to athletes’ welfare and the growth of sport in Nigeria.
She said the squad was especially grateful for the president’s care and support, adding that he had ensured the players received everything promised after their AfroBasket victory.
Okonkwo described the gesture as unprecedented and said the team had now received:
- The housing units promised to the players;
- National honours; and
- The full financial awards paid into their accounts.
According to the captain, the fulfilment of those commitments reflects a significant improvement in Nigerian sports administration and demonstrates that the country has a president who genuinely supports sport.
She also thanked the First Lady, NSC Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director General Hon. Bukola Olopade, along with the Nigeria Basketball Federation under the leadership of Engr. Musa Kida.
D’Tigress extend historic African dominance
D’Tigress continue to set the standard in African women’s basketball. The team have won a record five successive FIBA Women’s AfroBasket crowns and seven continental titles in total.
Their most recent success came in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, where Nigeria overcame Mali 78-64 in the final. That victory extended the team’s unbeaten run in the competition to 29 matches, an African basketball record that remains unmatched.
