National Celebration: D’Tigress Players Awarded $100K, Land & Honours by President Tinubu!

In a proud moment for Nigerian sports, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has showered the nation's women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, with cash prizes, land gifts, and national honours in recognition of their record-breaking performance on the African continent. The team, who recently clinched their fourth consecutive FIBA Afrobasket Women’s Championship, were hosted at the Presidential Villa in Abuja where the accolades were announced. Each player will receive a whopping $10,000, a plot of land in the Federal Capital Territory, and the prestigious Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) title. The D’Tigress made history with this recent win, becoming the first African team to win the tournament four times in a row. They defeated Senegal 84–74 in a heated final, cementing their dominance in African women’s basketball. Speaking at the event, President Tinubu praised the athletes for "showcasing the true Nigerian spirit of excellence, hard work, and unity," and described them as "role models for young girls across the continent." > "You didn’t just win games. You won hearts, inspired a nation, and showed the world that Nigerian women are unstoppable," Tinubu stated. This recognition marks a long-awaited national appreciation of female athletes in Nigeria. While male teams often take the spotlight, the D’Tigress have consistently brought glory to the nation with little fanfare—until now. Why This Moment Matters The award ceremony is being hailed as a turning point for women in Nigerian sports. Social media is buzzing with praise, with many saying this recognition is "long overdue." Fans have pointed out that while the Super Eagles have enjoyed more government attention despite underwhelming performances, D’Tigress has quietly built a dynasty worthy of global respect. Many also hope this moment will bring more investment into women’s sports, improve league conditions, and encourage more Nigerian girls to pursue basketball. A Legacy in the Making From court hustle to national heroes, the D’Tigress journey is nothing short of legendary. With this recognition, the spotlight is finally on them—not just as champions, but as changemakers, barrier-breakers, and symbols of hope for a new generation of Nigerian athletes.