Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, have been lavishly rewarded and nationally honoured following their fifth consecutive and seventh overall AfroBasket Women’s Championship win, which came after a dominant 78-64 victory over Mali in Abidjan.

The team’s achievement not only marked a historic continental record but also made Nigeria the first African women’s team to qualify for the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup pre-qualifying tournament.

In a grand reception ceremony held in Abuja on Monday, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, awarded each player with the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON), $100,000 cash, and a flat.

The head coach, Rena Wakama, and the technical crew received OON titles, $50,000 each, and housing benefits.

Speaking during the event, Shettima praised the team’s unity, resilience, and impact on the global stage.

“This victory is what happens when we work together,” he said.

“You came back from the fall of the first quarter not with panic, but with poise. You wore green and white not just as colours but as symbols of conviction and awe.”

He described their victory as a declaration of “tactical superiority and readiness to dazzle the world”, adding that their achievement had inspired a generation of young girls.

“You wear the crown of queens of African basketball for the fifth time and have inspired young girls nationwide that no dream is too wide for a Nigerian woman.”

The Vice President hailed Most Valuable Player Amy Okonkwo and top scorer Ezinne Kalu, stating that their brilliance elevated the entire team.

“You do not play for yourselves. Nigerian women have never failed this nation in sport—from the Super Falcons to our track athletes to D’Tigress. You continue to make us proud.”

This recognition comes a week after the Super Falcons were similarly honoured following their 2025 WAFCON win, with each footballer receiving $100,000 and a three-bedroom flat in the Renewed Hope Housing Estate.

The First Lady of Nigeria, in her remarks, praised the D’Tigress for their dedication and for uplifting the nation during a period of sporting success.

“Your victory comes at a time when Nigerians are basking in the glory of sporting excellence,” she said.

“You have given us a reason to believe in the power of Nigerian women to break barriers and set new records.”

To the technical team and coach Rena Wakama, she added, “Your tutelage has paid off, and I owe you your bouquet.”

Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, also hailed the team’s remarkable achievements.

“This is a notable time for Nigerian sports, especially women’s sports. From the football field to the basketball court, they have continued to lead from the front, lift our spirit, and raise national pride.”

He credited the win to the intentional investment, leadership, and resilience of the athletes, adding that D’Tigress have extended their AfroBasket winning streak to 29 games over nearly a decade—a record unmatched in the history of the competition. “When Nigerians step in, they not only win—they conquer.”

He highlighted Coach Rena Wakama’s historic role, calling her a trailblazer in women’s coaching in Nigeria.

“Her leadership and championship wins in 2023 and 2025 are setting the pace and crashing glass ceilings,” he said.

Dikko also touched on ongoing reforms in the sports sector, affirming that

“Every child deserves the opportunity to be the next Azeezat, Tobi Amusan, or Victor Osimhen.”

He extended gratitude to the First Lady for her consistent support in uplifting sports development in Nigeria.

Speaking on behalf of her teammates, D’Tigress captain Amy Okonkwo expressed deep appreciation for the national recognition.

“I’m grateful to represent Nigeria, to continue our excellence, and to inspire young women across the world. This win means everything. It’s not just about basketball—it’s about impact.”

She thanked the coaching staff, medical team, and officials for their support and dedication, adding:

“We are here today because of every hand that worked behind the scenes.”

Nigeria’s sporting women have once again proven that they are a force to be reckoned with, blazing trails and lifting the nation with pride, power, and purpose.