Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, received $100,000, the national honor OON, and a plot of land each from the Federal Government for winning their fifth straight FIBA Women’s AfroBasket title. At a State House reception, the coaching and technical staff were given $50,000, the same honor, and a plot of land each.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, representing President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, made the announcement on Monday on behalf of the Federal Government when he received the team and technical staff led by the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) President, Engineer Ahmadu Musa Kida who is also the Non-Executive Chairman of the NNPC Limited Board, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The team claimed their fifth consecutive, and seventh overall, AfroBasket title with a 78–64 victory over Mali in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, extending their unbeaten streak since 2017 and confirming their dominance in African women’s basketball.
At the reception, the Vice President praised the champions, describing their win as a testament to Nigeria’s talent and teamwork. He congratulated them for bringing pride to the nation and enhancing its reputation in global sports.
The Vice President commended the team’s resilience saying, “My dear daughters, you fought back from behind in the past quarter, not with panic, but with poise. You wore the green and white not just as clothes, but as a symbol of unity—and now you wear the crown as kings of African basketball for the fifth consecutive time.”
The Vice President also praised the NBBF President, Engineer Musa Kida, for his commitment and personal investment in Nigerian basketball development. “Malam Musa is personally known to me, and I have witnessed the personal resources he has invested in developing basketball in this great nation,” he said.
VP Shettima acknowledged Coach Rena Wakama for her leadership. He noted that she represents a new era of leadership in Nigerian sports. Her accomplishments have contributed to greater visibility for women in the field and encouraged young girls across the country to pursue their ambitions. She has been recognized with an award as the best coach in Africa and internationally.
He praised Amy Okonkwo, the tournament MVP, and Ezinne Kalu, the final’s top scorer, for their outstanding performance and for playing selflessly, leading Nigeria to victory.
First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, the Vice President’s wife Hajiya Nana Shettima, and Chief of Staff Hon Femi Gbajabiamila joined the Vice President in receiving the D’Tigresses on behalf of the President.
