Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, has expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Sports Commission (NSC), and corporate Nigeria for the warm reception they received after securing a historic fifth consecutive Afrobasket title in Côte d’Ivoire.
Since their triumphant return from Abidjan, where they claimed the African women’s basketball championship yet again, the players and officials have been celebrated across the country.
The Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), in collaboration with the NSC, arranged a chartered flight to bring the team home in style, culminating in a trophy presentation to President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa.
Reflecting on the overwhelming support, team captain Amy Okonkwo described the experience as unforgettable.
“My girls and I are sincerely overwhelmed to see how the whole country welcomed us and showed us love. It’s been a wonderful and indescribable experience, and we are even more motivated now to go on to do more for the country,” Okonkwo said.
She praised President Tinubu for his “fatherly love” and the hope he has instilled in the team. She also acknowledged the support of key government officials, including the Minister of Women Affairs, the Minister of Culture and Creative Economy, and the Minister of State for Finance, describing their encouragement as “very inspiring.”
The D’Tigress captain also commended the NSC leadership, led by Mallam Shehu Dikko and Bukola Olopade, for their dedication to the team’s welfare.
“We have never had it this good, seeing how the NSC has been very concerned about our welfare and success throughout the tournament,” she added.
Corporate Nigeria also received special recognition, with Zenith Bank singled out for its long-standing support of Nigerian basketball. “They played a big part in our success story today,” Okonkwo said, while also thanking NNPC for its contributions and future plans for the sport.
The team’s victory and subsequent celebrations have further highlighted the growing recognition of women’s basketball in Nigeria, with hopes that the momentum will inspire future successes.
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