President Bola Tinubu Receiving The Tigress—Nigeria’s National Women’s Basketball Team

President Bola Tinubu receiving the Tigress—Nigeria’s national women’s basketball team:

1. Presidential Reception at the State House

• On August 4, 2025, President Bola Tinubu hosted a formal reception at the Presidential Villa, New Banquet Hall in Abuja, to honor D’Tigress, Nigeria’s women’s national basketball team, following their victory at the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Championship.
• The reception was conducted by Vice President Kashim Shettima on behalf of the President. First Lady Oluremi Tinubu and Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila were also present.
  

2. Their Historic Achievement

• D’Tigress clinched their fifth consecutive AfroBasket title, defeating Mali 78–64 in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, marking their seventh overall championship.
• Their victory qualified them for the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup Pre-Qualifying Tournament—a first for an African team.
  

3. Presidential Rewards & Honors

• Each player was awarded:
  • $100,000 USD
  • A three-bedroom flat in Abuja’s Renewed Hope Housing Estate
  • The national honor of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON)
• Each member of the coaching and technical team received:
  • $50,000 USD
  • A housing unit
  • OON honors
    

4. Leadership Praise & National Significance

• PPresident Tinubu praised D’Tigress for embodying excellence, discipline, and resilience, calling them role models and national ambassadors.
• HHe especially commended Coach Rena Wakama, the team’s first female head coach, describing her leadership as inspirational and transformative for Nigerian sports.
• MMVP Amy Okonkwo and top scorer Ezinne Kalu were also singled out for their standout performances.
• TThe event underscored Tinubu’s broader sports development agenda: positioning sports as a pillar for national pride, youth empowerment, and international visibility.
  

Summary Table