Players and officials of Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, have expressed their appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu following the payment of the outstanding financial rewards promised to the team for their historic triumph at the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket.
The payments represent the final component of the Presidential Rewards announced in recognition of D’Tigress’ remarkable achievement in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, where Nigeria successfully defended its continental crown and extended its dominance of African women’s basketball.
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The financial rewards were released after the National Sports Commission (NSC), led by Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko, concluded arrangements with the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Prof. Taiwo Oyedele, to facilitate the payment of the outstanding commitments.
Within three days of the process being concluded, the promised financial rewards were paid into the accounts of the beneficiaries, including members of D’Tigress and the Super Falcons, according to the statement.
Reacting to the development, D’Tigress captain Amy Okonkwo spoke on behalf of the team, expressing gratitude to the President for fulfilling his promises and describing the gesture as evidence of his commitment to Nigerian athletes.
> “On behalf of the entire D’Tigress team, I want to specially thank our dear President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for this show of love and support.”
Okonkwo noted that the players were particularly appreciative because the financial payment completes a series of rewards promised to them following their continental success.
“We are truly grateful for everything he has done to ensure that we receive all that he promised us after winning the Afrobasket last year.”
According to the D’Tigress captain, the team has now received not only the financial rewards but also the other recognitions promised following their historic achievement.
“This is an unprecedented gesture from Mr. President. We have received the houses he promised us, the national honours he bestowed on us, and now we have all received the financial rewards promised to us in our various accounts.”
She also extended the team’s appreciation to the First Lady, the leadership of the National Sports Commission, the Nigeria Basketball Federation and everyone involved in ensuring that the commitments were fulfilled.
“We are more than grateful to Mr. President, the First Lady, and the leadership of the National Sports Commission, led by the Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, and the Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade.”
Okonkwo also acknowledged the contribution of the Nigeria Basketball Federation under its president, Engr. Musa Kida, describing the development as a sign of a changing approach to sports administration in the country.
“This has shown us that Nigerian sports is taking a major positive shift in administration and that we truly have a sports-loving President.”
The rewards come as D’Tigress continue to enjoy an extraordinary period of dominance in African women’s basketball.
Nigeria defeated Mali 78–64 in the 2025 AfroBasket final in Abidjan, securing a record-extending seventh continental title and a fifth consecutive championship.
The victory also extended Nigeria’s remarkable unbeaten run in the Women’s AfroBasket to 29 consecutive games, further cementing D’Tigress’ position as the dominant force on the continent.
For the players, however, the latest payment represents more than a financial reward. It is the fulfilment of a commitment made after they once again delivered continental glory for Nigeria.
After conquering Africa for a record fifth straight time, D’Tigress have now received the final piece of the reward for their historic achievement — and Amy Okonkwo says the gesture has given the champions another reason to believe in Nigerian sports.
