Afrobasket triumph: Tinubu activates another dollar rain, national honours, others for D’Tigress team

The Federal Government has honoured Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, with the Order of the Niger (OON) and awarded each player $100,000 and a flat.

Each member of the technical team, led by Coach Rena Wakama, received $50,000.

President Bola Tinubu announced the rewards on Monday evening during a reception held in Abuja to celebrate the team’s historic fifth consecutive AfroBasket Women’s title. The President was represented by his wife, Senator Remi Tinubu, and Vice President Kashim Shettima.

D’Tigress claimed their seventh AfroBasket crown on Sunday, defeating Mali 78–64 in a tense final. The team showed remarkable composure and resilience throughout the match.

Last week, the President similarly honoured the Super Falcons after their 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title in Morocco.

Since 2015, D’Tigress have remained unbeaten in African competition, notching 29 straight victories.

Despite a slow start against Mali, Coach Wakama’s side found their rhythm in the second quarter and went into halftime with scores level at 41–41. In the semi-final, Nigeria edged past Senegal 75–68 in what many dubbed the “final before the final.”

Amy Okonkwo and Ezinne Kalu delivered standout performances in the final. Kalu scored 20 points, while Okonkwo contributed 19. Both players played key roles, especially in the second and third quarters.

Promise Amukamara and Victoria Macaulay also made significant contributions, with Musa adding nine points and four rebounds, highlighting Nigeria’s depth.

The third quarter proved decisive, with Nigeria tightening their defence and outscoring Mali 20–15. Leading 61–56 at the start of the fourth quarter, the Nigerian side maintained control to seal the win.

This latest triumph has solidified D’Tigress’ reputation as the most dominant women’s basketball team in Africa.