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Nigerian African champions and the Nigerian women’s national basketball team, D’Tigresa were held in Lyon after the federal government officially fulfilled its long-awaited promises, presenting house documents and national honors to the triumphant team.
The gesture follows his historic victory in the Women’s Afrobasketball 2025where the team pounced Seventh AfroBasket title his dominion on the continent.
The presentation event took place at FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup qualifying tournament underwaywith the assistance of senior government officials.
How D’Tigress was rewarded for AfroBasket success
The players and officials were handed over title documents for houses in Abuja along with certificates confirming their national honor of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).
The presentation was given by the president of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikkoand managing director, Bukola Olopadealong with other dignitaries.
The housing reward is part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment, which also includes $100,000 for each player and $50,000 for each member of the technical teamwith payments now in the final stages of processing.
Players who received housing documents include:
- Amy Okonkwo
- Kunaiyi-Akpannah Shovels
- Elizabeth Balogun
- Sara Ogoke
- Ifunanya Okoro
- Amukamara Promise
- Murjanatu Musa
- Blessing Ejiofor
- Ezinne Kalu
- Victoria Macaulay
- Nicole Enabosi
Vera Ojenuwa, also part of the winning AfroBasket team, was absent and is expected to receive her package later.
“A president who leads with action” – Dikko
Speaking at the ceremony, NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko described the moment as a turning point for Nigerian sports administration.
“Firstly, I want to thank Mr President for making sport work again in Nigeria and giving every Nigerian athlete renewed confidence that sport can truly change their lives and put food on their table because it is not just leisure but serious business.”
He stressed that the rapid delivery of rewards marks a break with the past:
“This is a swift fulfillment of promises made by a president who truly cares as much about his words as his actions.”
“Nigerian sports would not have prayed for a better leader than President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, at a time and season like this in the country’s sporting history.”
Dikko also assured the team that their financial rewards are imminent:
“The money promised to you is almost in the final stage of disbursement and will soon reach your respective bank accounts.”
Read more: 2 wins, 2 losses… D’Tigress ends FIBA qualifiers against Germany
“A reward system that works” – Olopade
NSC Director General Bukola Olopade highlighted the broader vision behind the gesture.
“Mr. President is really redefining what online sports should be in line with what you can get in developed countries where sports are booming.”
He added:
“Mr President is a rewarder and his reward system is already yielding tremendous results in sports and delivering on his promise to you on time is another testament to the priority he places on Nigerian sports.”
“As I often say, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, rest assured that when things go well for the country, you know that a grateful and appreciative nation is waiting for you.”
Read more: D’Tigress crushes Colombia to start FIBA Women’s World Cup qualifiers
NBBF president praises Tinubu’s legacy
The President of the Nigerian Basketball Federation, Musa Kida, praised the administration’s commitment to the welfare of athletes.
He described the measure as:
“A lifelong legacy to Nigerian sports for the way he prioritizes the well-being of Nigerian athletes.”
Coach Wakama and D’Tigress react as the team seeks more glory
Head coach Rena Wakama deeply appreciated the recognition while also setting her sights on future success.
“The CEO and Chairman of the NSC, thank you for your courageous efforts in continuing to help us move forward.”
“We are happy and excited. I know the celebration will continue tonight, but this is not the end.”
Team captain Amy Okonkwo also spoke emotionally on behalf of the team:
“All I want to say is thank you for being here today.”
“Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedules to support us as we prepare for the future and for the World Cup in September.”
“Every day we show up here and do the best we can, and I want to make over 230 million Nigerians and all of you proud.”
“You pour into us, you give us your time, your energy and your effort.”
She added:
“This really means a lot. I also thank the president for his gifts.”
“I know it was not easy and thank you for honoring us with the OON. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
Read more: STORY: How D’Tigress rose to eighth place in the latest FIBA women’s world rankings
From the glory of AfroBasket to the preparation for the World Cup
The ceremony comes as D’Tigress continues its campaign in the World Cup qualifiers in Lyon.
Nigeria opened with a 70-37 victory over Colombialost 77–60 to South Korearecovered with a 101–84 victory over the Philippinesand narrowly fell 93–86 to France.
Having already secured qualification for the world tournament by winning the AfroBasket, the remaining matches, including a final clash against the German women’s national basketball team on Tuesday (today), serve as a build-up to the main event.
