Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, have received the houses and national honours earlier promised by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu following their triumph at the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket in Côte d’Ivoire.
The presentation ceremony took place in Lyon, where the team is currently competing in the FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifying Tournament.
Officials of the National Sports Commission (NSC), led by its Chairman, Shehu Dikko, and Director-General, Bukola Olopade, presented the players and team officials with title documents to their allocated houses in Abuja, alongside certificates of national honours.
Speaking at the event, Dikko described the gesture as a demonstration of the President’s commitment to rewarding excellence in sports.
“I want to first of all thank Mr President for making sports work again in Nigeria and giving every Nigerian athlete renewed confidence that sports can truly change their lives and put food on their table,” he said.
“Mr President is happy to give you girls these honours and houses because you have consistently placed Nigeria on the global map with your performance, patriotic spirit and never-give-up mentality.”
He added that the cash rewards earlier promised to the team were in the final stages of processing and would soon be paid into the athletes’ accounts.
Also speaking, Olopade said the development reflects a new approach to sports administration in the country.
“Mr President is truly redefining what sports should be in line with what is obtainable in developed countries where sports is thriving,” he said.
“Fulfilling his promise to you girls on time is another testament to the priority he places on Nigerian sports. When you do well for the country, a grateful nation is waiting to reward you.”
President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation, Musa Kida, commended the President for prioritising athletes’ welfare, noting that the gesture sets a lasting precedent.
Head coach of the team, Rena Wakama, expressed appreciation for the support, assuring that the team would continue to make the country proud.
“We are eternally grateful to Mr President for this show of love and support. There is more to come from this team,” she said.
Team captain Amy Okonkwo also thanked the President on behalf of her teammates, pledging sustained commitment to national duty.
“Our commitment to representing Nigeria will continue to soar higher,” she said.
The fulfilment of the promises marks a significant shift from past experiences, where athletes often waited years for government pledges to be redeemed.
