In a moment of national pride, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has showered praise on Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, after their record-setting fifth consecutive FIBA Afrobasket championship victory. The President, visibly elated by the team’s success, has extended a personal invitation to host the champions at the Presidential Villa, Aso Rock, upon their return.
D’Tigress showcased their dominance once again, overpowering Mali 78-64 in a pulsating final on Sunday night in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. This latest triumph not only secures their fifth consecutive African title but also marks the team’s seventh overall, underlining Nigeria’s undisputed reign in African women’s basketball.
Following the match, President Tinubu took to his official X (formerly Twitter) account to congratulate the team. “You did it, girls! Five straight African crowns and seven overall – a phenomenal achievement. Well done to Coach Rena Wakama and the entire squad. You’ve made Nigeria proud. I’m eagerly awaiting your arrival with the trophy. Mission accomplished!” his message read.
The President’s words were echoed by the D’Tigress official page, which posted a victory message steeped in military-themed symbolism: “Mission Accomplished. Mali neutralized. Bamako subdued. Nigeria’s basketball battalion is returning home victorious. Trophy en route to Aso Rock.”
This historic win extends D’Tigress’ unbeaten run in the Afrobasket tournament to an extraordinary 29 games, a streak that dates back to 2015. The victory has not only captivated the Nigerian public but also drawn comparisons to President Tinubu’s celebratory reception for the Super Falcons after their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) triumph in 2024.
Following the Falcons’ 10th WAFCON title, Tinubu had rewarded the team with $100,000 each, 3-bedroom apartments, and national honors. The Governors’ Forum also contributed ₦10 million to each player, while the technical crew received $50,000 for their pivotal role in the team’s success.
With D’Tigress now achieving a similarly historic milestone, expectations are high that a grand celebration and rewards package could be on the horizon for Nigeria’s basketball queens.
As the team prepares to return home, their achievements have once again put Nigerian women’s sports in the international spotlight, with a proud nation awaiting to give them a hero’s welcome at Aso Rock.
