$100,000 Each! Tinubu Showers D’Tigress with Cash, Homes, and National Honours

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has rewarded Nigeria’s women’s national basketball team, D’Tigress, with a financial and national honours package in recognition of their historic victory at the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Championship. Each player of the victorious squad is to receive $100,000, while members of the 11-man coaching and technical crew are set to receive $50,000 each. All team members, including staff, were also awarded three-bedroom flats at the Renewed Hope Estate.

According to iReporter Online, the President further conferred on the team and their technical crew the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON). These announcements were made by Vice President Kashim Shettima during a state reception held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

The team, accompanied by their officials, were warmly received by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, alongside the wife of the Vice President, Nana Shettima. The reception, which began at 5:05 p.m., also had in attendance high-ranking government officials including the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Youths and Sports Development, Garba Maidoki; and the Chairman of the House Committee on Sports, Kabiru Amadou.

D’Tigress had earlier clinched their fifth consecutive continental title after defeating Mali 78–64 in the AfroBasket final held at the Palais des Sports de Treichville in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. This win marks the team’s seventh overall AfroBasket championship, solidifying their status as the most dominant team in African women’s basketball.

Vice President Shettima, speaking on behalf of the President, lauded the athletes for their resilience, unity, and excellence. He described the team as more than just sports ambassadors, noting that their success represents a symbol of what Nigeria can achieve when its citizens work together. He emphasized the administration’s commitment to sports as a critical sector for national unity, development, and youth engagement.

Special recognition was given to head coach Rena Wakama, whose leadership was described as groundbreaking and inspirational, particularly for young Nigerian girls. Star players Amy Okonkwo, named tournament MVP, and Ezinne Kalu, the top scorer in the final match, also received praise for their outstanding contributions to the team’s performance.

The federal government reaffirmed its pledge to support sports development and youth empowerment. Tinubu, through Shettima, assured that Nigerian sports will continue to receive recognition and investment, stating that athletes who bring glory to the country would be duly celebrated and supported on the global stage.