Nigeria’s record-breaking D’Tigress were warmly received and honored by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu at the State House in Abuja following their historic fifth consecutive AfroBasket championship win.
Fresh from their triumphant campaign at the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket, Nigeria’s D’Tigress were given a warm and honour-filled reception at the State House in Abuja on Monday, August 4, 2025.
First Lady Oluremi Tinubu hosted the celebrated national women’s basketball team in recognition of their record-breaking fifth consecutive AfroBasket title. The players presented the trophy to her, and in turn received medals and framed jerseys from the Basketball Federation in a formal ceremony noted for its solemnity and national pride.
Mrs. Tinubu described the team’s performance as inspiring not only to fans but especially to young women across the country. She said their excellence on and off the court “reinforces the fact that Nigerian women are capable of reaching the highest level in any endeavour they choose.” Her praise underscored the broader cultural significance of their victory.
In her remarks, she called the victory “a testament to hard work, discipline, and commitment to excellence,” emphasizing the importance of sports as a vehicle for national unity and empowerment.
A presidential statement issued shortly after the ceremony applauded the team’s consistency and dominance on the continental stage, confirming that Nigeria remains unbeaten in Africa for 29 games since 2015,with their seventh overall AfroBasket win sealed in a 78–64 victory over Mali.
President Bola Tinubu, speaking through his adviser, commended head coach Rena Wakama and her technical team for exemplary leadership and thanked the players for proudly representing the nation on the international stage.
I salute the incredible discipline, focus, and team spirit of D’Tigress at this year’s AfroBasket tournament.
— Bola Ahmed Tinubu (@officialABAT) August 3, 2025
They have not only carried our flag high but earned global respect for Nigerian excellence, our players and team officials.
A special commendation to Coach Rena Wakama,… pic.twitter.com/h4ukM7tm7j
This ceremony symbolized more than just a trophy return; it heralded national recognition for a team that has reshaped Nigeria’s sporting identity. Their undefeated legacy in AfroBasket and historic Olympic performance, becoming the first African team to qualify for Olympic basketball quarter-finals at Paris 2024, have elevated their global stature.
By meeting the team at the State House, the First Lady sent a message of state support and pride, acknowledging not only their athletic prowess but also their role as role models for young women across Nigeria. It also sets expectations for continued excellence, with forthcoming assignments including the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup qualifiers in 2026.
With the team now scheduled to return to Abuja, accompanied by the trophy, the ceremony marks the beginning of their transition from continental queens to global competitors. As the nation celebrates its achievements, D’Tigress stands poised to take Nigerian basketball to new heights and to inspire the next generation of champions.
First Lady Honors D’Tigress' Historic Afrobasket Victory at Presidential Reception! 🏆🇳🇬 #DTigress pic.twitter.com/O0dFnGRAKX
— A. Ayofe (@abdullahayofel) August 4, 2025
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