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By Pio Ayinor
Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, has continued to strengthen its position as the most dominant team in Africa over the past decade, winning numerous continental titles and improving its position on the global stage.
The team has won the Afrobasket Women’s Championship five consecutive times since 2017 and has remained undefeated against African opponents since 2015.
The recent preparations in Lyon, France are part of the preparation for the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup scheduled for September in Berlin, Germany.
D’Tigress first attracted global attention during their Olympic debut in 2004, when they became the first African women’s basketball team to win a match at the Games.
Their performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics further cemented their growing reputation internationally, while coach Rena Wakama received recognition as the tournament’s best coach.
In a recent development, the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) has announced a strategic partnership with airline XE Jet, naming the airline as the Official Aviation Partner of the Women’s National Team.
According to the federation, the agreement will provide air and travel logistical support to the team during international competitions, with the aim of improving travel organization and operational planning for players and referees.
The D’Tigress are currently competing in the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Qualifiers, which began March 11 and concludes March 17 in Lyon.
NBBF President Ahmadu Musa Kida described the partnership as an important step in strengthening support structures for the women’s team.
“D’Tigress continues to inspire the nation through their successes on the global stage.
This partnership reflects the growing corporate support for women’s basketball in Nigeria and reinforces our commitment to providing the team the support it deserves,” he said.
XE Jet CEO, Emmanuel Iza, further noted that the company sees the partnership as an opportunity to support Nigerian athletes representing the country internationally.
The federation said the agreement follows months of negotiations led by NBBF Sponsorship and Marketing Committee Chairman Ugo Udezue.
Udezue said the goal is to create stronger commercial support for national teams and improve the sports ecosystem.
The partnership places D’Tigress among leading sports teams and organizations globally that maintain aviation partnerships to support international travel.
XE Jet has commenced scheduled premium services between Abuja and Lagos in 2024 using a 24-seat CRJ200 aircraft configured for business class travel. The airline subsequently expanded its services with the introduction of an E190 aircraft offering 104 economy class seats.
The airline is also expected to host a reception for women’s leadership in sport in Lyon during the World Cup qualifiers, bringing together stakeholders from sports administration, government and business.
The Nigerian Basketball Federation said it will continue to seek partnerships aimed at strengthening basketball development and supporting Nigerian athletes competing internationally.
