The Federal Government has fulfilled promises made to Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, following their triumph at the 2025 Afrobasket tournament.
Members of the team and their officials received certificates for national honours and title documents for houses allocated to them in Abuja. The presentation took place in Lyon, France, where the team is preparing for the FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifying Tournament.
The documents were handed over by Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, and the commission’s Director General Bukola Olopade, alongside other government officials.
The rewards were originally announced by Bola Ahmed Tinubu after the team lifted the Afrobasket title in August 2025 in Côte d’Ivoire.
Speaking during the presentation, Dikko praised the President for honouring the commitment promptly, describing it as a clear break from a past where athletes often waited years for government pledges to be fulfilled.
“I want to first of all thank Mr President for making sports work again in Nigeria and giving every Nigerian athlete a renewed confidence that sports can truly change their lives and put food on their table, because it’s not just a leisure but a serious business,” he said.
“Mr President is happy to give you girls these honours and houses because you have consistently placed Nigeria on the global map with your performance, your patriotic spirit and your never give up mentality”.
Dikko also revealed that the cash rewards promised to the players were in the final stage of processing and would soon be paid into their bank accounts.
Olopade said the gesture reflects a new approach to sports development under the current administration.
“Mr President is a rewarder and his reward system is already yielding tremendous results in sports and fulfilling his promise to you girls on time is another testament to the priority he places on Nigerian sports,” Olopade said.
“Like what I often say, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, be rest assured that when you do well for the country, just know a grateful and thankful Nation is waiting for you”.
President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBF), Musa Kida, thanked the President for prioritising the welfare of Nigerian athletes.
Head coach Rena Wakama said the team was grateful for the recognition and pledged continued success for the country.
Team captain Amy Okonkwo also expressed appreciation on behalf of the squad, promising that the team’s commitment to Nigeria would continue to grow.
