Nigeria’s national women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, have been rewarded with Order of the Niger (OON) honours, $100,000, and a plot of land in Abuja each following their historic fifth consecutive AfroBasket Women title.
The announcement came during a state reception hosted on Monday evening in Abuja. Representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the event were First Lady Senator Remi Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, who commended the team for their unmatched consistency and dominance on the African continent.
Read Also: Drama Unleashed as Victory Becomes BBNaija Head of House
This latest honour makes D’Tigress the most decorated and formidable women’s basketball team in Africa. The coaching and technical staff, led by Coach Rena Wakama, were also appreciated with $50,000 each as part of the Federal Government’s show of appreciation.
The victory ceremony comes just a week after the Super Falcons were similarly honoured for winning their 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title in Morocco. This back-to-back recognition signals a new era of visibility and reward for Nigerian women in sports.
Read Also: Super Eagles B Face Senegal in Historic CHAN 2024 Opener
D’Tigress: Queens of the Court
On Sunday, D’Tigress outclassed Mali 78-64 in the final to lift their seventh AfroBasket title and fifth straight crown. Despite a slow start, Nigeria leveled the game at halftime (41-41) before taking control in the second half. Their third quarter dominance, fueled by tactical discipline and rock-solid defence, shifted momentum firmly in their favour.
Key players such as Amy Okonkwo (19 points) and Ezinne Kalu (20 points) stepped up with critical performances. Kalu’s scoring spurts in the second and third quarters created the gap Nigeria needed to breathe. Other notable contributions came from Promise Amukamara, Victoria Macaulay, and Musa, whose nine points and four rebounds added to the team’s depth.
D’Tigress had earlier defeated Senegal 75-68 in the semifinals—a match many tagged the “final before the final.” Their victory over two of Africa’s top sides underscores a dominance that extends beyond results to how they play the game—with poise, grit, and unity.
Read Also: A Champion’s Welcome: Demehin Honoured by Ondo State Governor for WAFCON 2024 Brilliance
Unbeaten Streak and Legacy
The win against Mali marked D’Tigress’ 29th straight victory in AfroBasket competitions, an unbeaten streak stretching back to 2015. Their ability to remain consistent across different generations of players and coaches speaks volumes of Nigeria’s investment and talent pipeline in women’s basketball.
With these accolades and rewards, the government’s recognition does more than celebrate victories. It affirms the importance of gender equity in sports, rewarding performance equally and inspiring the next generation of athletes.
Read Also: Sabrina’s Shoulder of Comfort: Gigi Jasmine’s Emotional Moment in Biggie’s House
As the dust settles on this year’s AfroBasket triumph, one thing is clear—D’Tigress are not just champions; they are a dynasty.
