Since 2017, Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, affectionately known as D’Tigress, has undergone a remarkable transformation—one that has redefined the heights of African and global basketball. At the helm of this renaissance stands Ahmadu Musa Kida, the President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) and Chairman of the NNPCL Board. His visionary leadership has not only propelled D’Tigress to continental and global prominence but has also set new standards of sporting excellence for Nigeria. For these remarkable achievements, Kida’s stewardship is widely regarded as deserving of a national honor.
Kida’s assumption of the NBBF presidency marked a new era for Nigerian basketball. Recognizing the immense untapped potential within the women’s game, he prioritized investment in D’Tigress through grassroots development, international exposure, improved welfare for athletes, and the selection of world-class coaching. These sweeping reforms laid the foundation for an era of unprecedented team success, an accomplishment that stands as a testament to Kida’s leadership and vision.
The golden journey began at the 2017 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Championship in Bamako, Mali, where D’Tigress showcased exceptional tactical discipline and athleticism. Undefeated throughout, the team triumphed over Senegal in the final, capturing their third AfroBasket title—the first since 2005. This victory was a renaissance for Nigerian women’s basketball, igniting national pride and restoring the team’s continental stature.
In 2019, at the AfroBasket in Dakar, Senegal, D’Tigress reinforced their dominance, going unbeaten once again and defeating Senegal in a tense final played before a fervent home crowd. This fourth AfroBasket crown, achieved back-to-back for the first time since the early 2000s, underscored the sustained excellence nurtured under Kida’s NBBF administration.
The narrative of dominance continued in 2021, when D’Tigress, competing in Yaoundé, Cameroon, clinched their third consecutive AfroBasket title by overcoming Mali in the final. This historical feat—three straight championships—was a first for Nigeria’s women’s basketball, underscoring the tactical superiority and effective governance that flourished under Kida’s stewardship.
The 2023 edition in Kigali, Rwanda, saw Nigeria secure a fourth consecutive and sixth overall title by once again defeating Senegal, further cementing D’Tigress’s place atop African basketball. In 2025, with the tournament just concluded in Abidjan, D’Tigress overcame Senegal in the semifinals and soundly defeated Mali 78-64 in the final, seizing an unprecedented fifth consecutive title. Such dominance on the continental stage is a direct reflection of the transformational leadership provided by Kida—an impact that calls for national recognition of his service.
Breaking Barriers on the Global Stage
D’Tigress’s achievements under Kida have not been limited to Africa. At the 2018 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Tenerife, Spain, the team made history as the first African side to reach the World Cup quarterfinals, toppling formidable opponents like Turkey, Argentina, and Greece. Their inspiring performance earned global acclaim, elevating the reputation of African women’s basketball and challenging long-held stereotypes about the continent’s sporting prowess.
Their qualification for the Tokyo Olympics represented another milestone. Although faced with the daunting challenge of competing against the USA, France, and Japan, D’Tigress displayed remarkable skill and resilience, earning global respect and further raising the international profile of Nigerian sports. These achievements, fostered under Kida’s guidance, underscore the caliber of leadership that merits national honor.
The successes of D’Tigress have been complemented by the rise of individual stars who have become role models for young athletes across Nigeria and beyond. Players such as Evelyn Akhator, Ezinne Kalu, Adaora Elonu, and Aisha Mohammed have received personal accolades for their performances, with several being named to All-Tournament Teams and winning Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards at major competitions.
Yet, it is the collective spirit—the seamless blend of home-based and overseas talent—that has powered D’Tigress to their string of victories. Kida’s administration fostered an environment where meritocracy thrived, and national team selection prioritized commitment, discipline, and teamwork above all else.
Challenges and Resilience
The ascent of D’Tigress has not been without challenges. The team faced funding constraints, logistical hurdles, and sometimes political wrangling surrounding sports administration in Nigeria. Despite these obstacles, the NBBF, under Kida, demonstrated a commitment to transparency and athlete welfare. Incremental improvements in training conditions, allowances, and exposure to international camps ensured that the players remained motivated and well-prepared.
Perhaps most remarkable is the team’s resilience in the face of adversity. Whenever confronted with setbacks—whether they be financial shortfalls or tough losses—D’Tigress responded with renewed vigor, turning challenges into opportunities for growth.
The Legacy of Musa Kida’s Presidency
Kida’s presidency is inextricably linked to the meteoric rise of D’Tigress as a powerhouse of African and world basketball. His dedication to transparent governance, grassroots development, and international competitiveness has revitalized Nigerian women’s basketball. Under Kida, D’Tigress have not just won trophies—they have become global ambassadors for Nigerian excellence and the indomitable African spirit.
Beyond the continental silverware, Kida’s administration has forged international partnerships, attracted diaspora talent, and ensured that Nigerian basketball remains at the cutting edge of tactical and technical innovation. The story of D’Tigress during his tenure is one of transformation, empowerment, and relentless pursuit of greatness—an enduring legacy that has inspired hope and unity across Nigeria and Africa at large.
For these extraordinary contributions, Kida’s name stands out among the nation’s sporting luminaries. His leadership has not only enriched Nigeria’s trophy cabinet but has elevated the country’s image on the global stage. As D’Tigress’s victories continue to inspire, it is only fitting that Kida be recognized with a national honor—an accolade that would celebrate his visionary service and the indelible impact he has made on the nation’s sporting history.
