Nigeria Rewards D’Tigress with $100,000 and New Apartments After Historic AfroBasket Win

Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, have been rewarded following their record-breaking fifth consecutive AfroBasket title win.

Each player on the championship-winning squad will receive $100,000, a three-bedroom apartment, and a national honour of the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON), the presidency announced on Monday evening.

Speaking through Vice President Kashim Shettima at a reception held at the State House Banquet Hall, Tinubu praised the team for their historic win, describing them as “shining symbols of unity, resilience, and national pride.”

“Beyond being ambassadors of our nation and symbols of excellence, you have reminded us all of the power of sports to unite a diverse nation,” Shettima said. “You have brought home not just a trophy, but valuable lessons for all Nigerians.”

D’Tigress secured their seventh AfroBasket crown and their fifth straight title, after defeating Mali 78–64 in the finals held at the Palais des Sports de Treichville in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

The win marked Nigeria’s 29th consecutive victory in the tournament, a dominant streak spanning nearly a decade. With the win, Nigeria also clinched a place in the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup pre-qualifier, becoming the first African team to do so.

The team’s head coach, Rena Wakama, made history by becoming the first African woman to lead a national team to back-to-back AfroBasket championships. She, along with the entire coaching and technical staff, will each receive $50,000 and national honours, according to the president’s announcement.

In an emotional speech, team captain and tournament Most Valuable Player (MVP) Amy Okonkwo expressed the team’s heartfelt appreciation for the recognition.

On behalf of D’Tigress, we are so, so thankful to be here today, she said. “I’m thankful that we get to represent our country. We’re thankful to be able to continue our excellence and support the gift that God gave us.”

She credited the team’s unity and unwavering support from coaching, medical staff, and the Nigerian Basketball Federation.

The celebration of D’Tigress comes barely a week after a similar honour was bestowed upon the Super Falcons, Nigeria’s women’s national football team, who were also rewarded with $100,000 and apartments each after clinching the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

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