Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, have received national honours and housing allocations promised by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu following their victory at the 2025 Women’s Afrobasket tournament in Côte d’Ivoire.
The presentation took place in Lyon, France, where the team is currently competing in the FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifying Tournament. Officials of the National Sports Commission (NSC) handed over certificates of national honours and title documents for houses allocated in Abuja to players and team officials.
NSC Chairman, Shehu Dikko, said the move reflects what he described as a shift from past delays in fulfilling government commitments to athletes.
“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.
He added that the president approved the rewards in recognition of the team’s achievements.
“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 indicated that cash rewards earlier pledged to the team were in the final stages of processing and would be disbursed soon.
NSC Director General, Bukola Olopade, said the gesture aligns with efforts to strengthen sports administration and incentives for athletes.
“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,” he said.
President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation, Musa Kida, described the development as significant for athlete welfare, while head coach Rena Wakama and team captain Amy Okonkwo expressed appreciation and reaffirmed the team’s commitment to representing the country.
D’Tigress, one of Africa’s most successful women’s basketball teams, have dominated the continental championship in recent years, reinforcing Nigeria’s standing in the sport. Their latest Afrobasket triumph extended a run of titles that has drawn increased attention to the conditions and support structures for elite athletes.
The fulfillment of the government’s pledges comes amid longstanding concerns over delayed payments and unfulfilled promises in Nigerian sports. Observers say timely delivery of incentives could improve morale and performance, particularly as teams prepare for global competitions such as the FIBA Women’s World Cup.
The team remains in Lyon as they continue their qualification campaign, with expectations high following their continental success and renewed backing from authorities.
