D’Tigress hail Tinubu, sponsors after historic Afrobasket triumph
Players and officials of the victorious D’Tigress are still basking in the euphoria of the warm welcome they received from the Federal Government, corporate sponsors, and Nigerians after winning the Afrobasket for the fifth consecutive time in Côte d’Ivoire.
The team returned from Abidjan, where they achieved the unprecedented feat of securing the African women’s basketball title for a record five times in a row, to celebrations across the country.
Following their triumph, the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) and the National Sports Commission (NSC) arranged for the team to fly home in a chartered aircraft to officially present the trophy to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa.
Speaking on behalf of the team, captain Amy Okonkwo expressed deep gratitude to the Federal Government and corporate bodies, led by Zenith Bank Plc, describing the receptions as an unforgettable lifetime experience.
“My girls and I are sincerely overwhelmed by the love and support shown to us by the entire country. It has been a wonderful and indescribable experience, and we are even more motivated to achieve more for Nigeria,” Okonkwo said. She also praised President Tinubu for his fatherly love and encouragement, and thanked the Ministers of Women Affairs, Culture and Creative Economy, and State for Finance for their inspiring support.
Okonkwo commended the NSC leadership, led by Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director-General Hon. Bukola Olopade, for prioritising the team’s welfare and success throughout the tournament. “We have never had it this good,” she noted.
She further appreciated corporate partners, especially Zenith Bank Plc, for their long-standing support for Nigerian basketball, as well as the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) for their plans to boost the sport’s development.
Okonkwo, who was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player, also lauded NBBF President Engr. Musa Kida for his leadership and sacrifices, crediting him, General Manager Musa Adamu, and the federation’s board members for the team’s sustained success.
