ABUJA, Nigeria — President Bola Tinubu has conferred the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) on all members of Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, in recognition of their unprecedented victory at the 2025 Women’s Afrobasket in Côte d’Ivoire.
The president also announced cash rewards of $100,000 for each player and $50,000 for each member of the technical crew, in addition to a housing unit in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for every team member and official.
Vice President Kashim Shettima made the announcements while hosting the triumphant team at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Monday, August 4, 2025.
The event, held in honour of D’Tigress’ historic achievement, drew high-ranking government officials, lawmakers, and dignitaries.
On Sunday, D’Tigress defeated Mali 78–64 in the final at the Palais des Sports de Treichville in Abidjan, becoming the first country in Afrobasket history to win five consecutive titles.
With this victory, Nigeria also booked an automatic ticket to the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup in Berlin, Germany.
D’Tigress have now claimed a total of seven Afrobasket titles, with an unbeaten run in the competition stretching back to October 2015.
Speaking on behalf of President Tinubu, Vice President Shettima lauded the team for their “resilience, discipline, and patriotism,” describing their achievement as “a symbol of what Nigeria can accomplish with unity, determination, and belief.”
“Mr. President has asked me to convey his deepest appreciation for making Nigeria proud on the international stage,” Shettima said.
“You have demonstrated not just athletic excellence, but also the unbreakable spirit of the Nigerian woman.”
In addition to Vice President Shettima, the event was attended by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, Senate Committee Chair on Youths and Sports Development Garba Maidoki, and House Committee Chair on Sports Kabiru Amadou.
The players, who were visibly moved by the reception, expressed their gratitude for the national recognition and rewards.
Head coach Rena Wakama praised the administration’s support, noting that such gestures “inspire us to keep pushing boundaries and raising the flag higher.”
