By Peter Omopo
Abuja | August 5, 2025 —
President Bola Tinubu has conferred the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) on members of Nigeria’s female basketball team, D’Tigress, in recognition of their historic fifth consecutive victory at the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Championship.
At a special reception held on Monday evening in Abuja, each player was also awarded a cash prize of $100,000 and a three-bedroom apartment in the Federal Capital Territory. The team’s technical crew, led by Coach Rena Wakama, received $50,000 each for their pivotal role in the team’s success.
The event was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima and First Lady Senator Remi Tinubu, who represented the President in honouring the trailblazing athletes.
The gesture follows a similar recognition granted to the Super Falcons after their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations triumph, further underscoring the administration’s commitment to celebrating excellence in women’s sports.
D’Tigress claimed their seventh AfroBasket title—and fifth in a row—after defeating Mali 78–64 in a fiercely contested final on Sunday. The win extended Nigeria’s unbeaten run in the championship to 29 consecutive games since 2015, solidifying their dominance on the African basketball scene.
Sunday’s final saw crucial performances from Amy Okonkwo, who scored 19 points, and Ezinne Kalu, who added 20 points and delivered key baskets during the second and third quarters. The team overcame a shaky start to level the score 41–41 at halftime before seizing control in the second half.
Supported by standout displays from Promise Amukamara, Victoria Macaulay, and Musa—who contributed nine points and four rebounds—D’Tigress tightened their defence in the third quarter to outscore Mali 20–15 and maintain their lead through to the final buzzer.
President Tinubu, in his remarks, praised the team’s resilience, unity, and winning spirit, noting that their feat had brought immense pride to Nigeria and served as an inspiration for young girls across the continent.
The victory not only cements D’Tigress’ place as the most successful team in AfroBasket history but also highlights the growing prominence of women’s sports in Nigeria’s national identity.
