Nigeria’s D’Tigress Make History with Fifth Consecutive Afrobasket Title
Nigeria’s national women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, etched their names in the annals of African basketball history by securing their fifth consecutive FIBA Women’s Afrobasket championship in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. Their victory over Mali in the final, held at the Palais des Sports de Treichville, solidified their unprecedented dominance in the tournament, marking an unparalleled achievement in the competition’s history. This triumph extended their unbeaten streak in the Afrobasket to a remarkable decade, further cementing their status as the undisputed queens of African women’s basketball. Led by coach Rena Wakama, D’Tigress showcased exceptional skill, teamwork, and unwavering determination throughout the tournament, culminating in a resounding victory that resonated with pride and jubilation throughout Nigeria.
President Bola Tinubu and First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, joined the chorus of celebrations, extending their heartfelt congratulations to the victorious team. President Tinubu, via a post on X (formerly Twitter), lauded D’Tigress for their outstanding performance and for bringing immense pride to the nation. He acknowledged the team’s historic achievement, referring to their fifth consecutive title and seventh overall Afrobasket championship. The President’s message expressed his anticipation of welcoming the team and the coveted trophy back to Nigeria, a testament to the national significance of their accomplishment. He concluded his congratulatory message with the hashtag #MissionV, emphasizing the team’s successful completion of their mission to secure the fifth consecutive title.
Prior to the final match, President Tinubu demonstrated his unwavering support for D’Tigress by dispatching a high-level presidential delegation to Abidjan. Led by the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, the delegation included prominent figures from various sectors of government and sports administration. Among the delegates were the Chairman of the House Committee on Sports, Kabiru Ahmadu; the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Suleiman; the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa; the Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka-Anite; the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Sunday Dare; the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Digital Communications and New Media Strategy, O’tega Ogra; the Senior Special Assistant (Office of the Chief of Staff), Oyinade Nathan-Marsh; and the Senior Special Assistant (Office of the First Lady), Kukoyi Olubusola. This high-profile delegation underscored the national importance attached to D’Tigress’s participation and success in the tournament.
First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, also extended her warm congratulations to the team, praising their discipline, exceptional teamwork, and the inspiring impact their victory would have on young Nigerian girls. She emphasized the significance of their achievement, noting that it added another golden chapter to Nigeria’s rich sporting history. The First Lady highlighted the team’s unwavering commitment and determination, qualities that have consistently propelled them to success on the global stage. She commended D’Tigress for serving as role models and inspiring countless young girls to pursue their dreams with unwavering dedication and hard work.
The resounding victory by D’Tigress served as a beacon of hope and inspiration for aspiring athletes across Nigeria, particularly young girls who dream of achieving greatness in their respective sports. The team’s dedication, perseverance, and unwavering commitment to excellence demonstrated the power of teamwork and the pursuit of common goals. Their success will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on the landscape of Nigerian sports, motivating future generations of athletes to strive for excellence and bring glory to their nation.
D’Tigress’s triumph resonates beyond the realm of sports. It serves as a powerful symbol of national unity and pride, bringing together Nigerians from all walks of life in a shared celebration of excellence. Their remarkable achievement underscores the potential of Nigerian women to excel on the global stage and serves as a testament to the growing strength and prominence of women’s sports in Nigeria. This victory serves as a powerful reminder of the unifying power of sports and its ability to inspire and uplift a nation. D’Tigress’s story serves as an inspiration to not only aspiring athletes but to all Nigerians, encouraging them to pursue their dreams with passion, dedication, and an unwavering belief in their abilities.
