PHOTO NEWS: ‘You have made us proud’ — Tinubu hails D’Tigress
By Kunle Sanni –
President Bola Tinubu has commended Nigeria’s national women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, for their remarkable performance at the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Championship, describing them as symbols of unity, excellence, and national pride.
Speaking through Vice President Kashim Shettima during a presidential reception held in their honour at the State House, Tinubu congratulated the team on their 78–64 victory over Mali, which secured Nigeria’s fifth consecutive AfroBasket title.
“You have made us proud. We will stand by you as you prepare for the global stage,” the President said.
To reward their achievement, Tinubu announced a cash gift of $100,000 for each of the 12 players and $50,000 for each member of the technical crew. Additionally, all team members and officials received a flat apartment and were conferred with the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).
The President praised the team’s composure and unity, highlighting their determination in overcoming early setbacks during the final.
“My dear daughters, you fought back from behind in the first quarter, not with panic, but with poise. You wore the green and white not just as clothes, but as a symbol of unity—and now you wear the crown as kings of African basketball for the fifth consecutive time,” he said.
Tinubu emphasized the importance of sports in nation-building, stating that the team’s victory reflected the strength found in unity.
“Beyond being ambassadors of this great nation and symbols of excellence, you have once again reminded us of the promise of sports in a nation this diverse. This victory is what happens when we walk together,” he added.
