Nigeria’s national women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, has received a remarkable reward for their recent triumph at the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Championship held in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. Each player was promised a cash prize of $100,000 and a three-bedroom apartment, following their 78–64 victory over Mali in the tournament’s final. This marks Nigeria’s seventh AfroBasket title and cements D’Tigress’s dominance in African women’s basketball, earning them qualification for the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup.
At a special reception held at the State House in Abuja, Vice President Kashim Shettima announced the rewards in the presence of top government officials and sporting stakeholders. Members of the team’s coaching and technical crew were not left out, as they are also set to receive $50,000 each, along with a three-bedroom apartment.
The victory has been hailed across the country as a symbol of resilience and excellence. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu commended the team’s historic win, highlighting the consistency of Nigerian women in bringing glory to the nation. “From the Super Falcons on the world stage to D’Tigress dominating the court, Nigerian women continue to make us proud,” he said. “Let the story of D’Tigress be a beacon for young people – a reminder that greatness is earned through hard work, discipline, and belief.”
The announcement follows a similar promise made to Nigeria’s national women’s football team, the Super Falcons, after their recent success at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
However, amid the celebrations, questions persist over the timely fulfillment of such promises. Nigeria has a long history of delayed reward disbursement to athletes. In a notable case, the federal government only recently fulfilled a 31-year-old pledge of homes to the 1994 Super Eagles team, many of whom had already passed away, including legends Rashidi Yekini and Stephen Keshi.
The commitment to promptly reward D’Tigress aims to restore faith in the system and inspire future generations of Nigerian athletes. The government’s promise, while celebrated, draws attention to the urgent need for sustainable and consistent support for sports development in the country.
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