By Onilede Titi Faith
The Federal Government has honoured Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, with national awards, cash rewards, and housing benefits in recognition of their historic triumph at the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Championship.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, hosted the team on Monday, August 4, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja to celebrate their fifth consecutive AfroBasket title; a record-breaking feat that cements Nigeria’s dominance in African women’s basketball.
Each player was conferred with the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) and awarded a cash gift of $100,000.
They were also granted either a flat or a plot of land under the Renewed Hope Housing Scheme, an initiative aimed at rewarding national excellence.
Members of the coaching and technical crew received similar recognition, including the OON honour, $50,000 in cash, and a three-bedroom flat or a plot of land in appreciation of their pivotal role in the team’s success.
Vice President Shettima praised the team as “national heroes and the pride of the continent,” commending their discipline, teamwork, and unwavering patriotism.
“You have brought pride and honour to our great nation. This administration remains committed to celebrating excellence, especially when it reflects unity, perseverance, and national pride,” he stated.
The event was attended by several top dignitaries, including the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu; Wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Shettima; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; and the Minister of Sports Development, John Owan Enoh.
D’Tigress secured their seventh continental title and fifth consecutive AfroBasket win after defeating Mali 78–64 in the final held on Sunday, August 3, in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire; a feat unmatched in the history of African women’s basketball.
Their victory comes amid growing national support for women’s achievements in sports and a renewed drive to inspire and empower young female athletes across the country.
