Zenith Bank Plc, the long-standing sponsor of the Nigeria Women Basketball League, celebrated the D’Tigress’ remarkable achievement of securing their fifth consecutive AfroBasket title with a grand gesture of N200 million reward. This impressive victory, achieved by defeating Mali 78-64 in the final held in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, not only solidified their dominance in African women’s basketball but also earned them national recognition upon their return to Nigeria. President Bola Tinubu bestowed upon them the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) and presented them with cash rewards, further highlighting the significance of their accomplishment.
Zenith Bank’s unwavering commitment to the development of women’s basketball in Nigeria spans 18 years of sponsorship for the national women’s league. This enduring partnership has nurtured the growth of talented players, some of whom have contributed significantly to the D’Tigress’ continued success. Murjanatu Musa, the Most Valuable Player of the Air Warriors team that clinched the league title in 2022, and Rena Wakama, the current coach of the national team, are both products of the Zenith Bank-sponsored league, having honed their skills playing for different teams within the league. This demonstrates the tangible impact of Zenith Bank’s investment in nurturing talent from the grassroots level to the national stage.
Dr. Dame Umeoji OON, the Group Managing Director/CEO of Zenith Bank, expressed immense pride in the D’Tigress’ achievement, emphasizing the bank’s continued support for women’s basketball in Nigeria. She lauded their victory as not just a win for Nigeria but a triumph for African sports as a whole. This resonates with Zenith Bank’s broader vision of fostering sporting excellence across the continent. Dr. Umeoji reiterated the bank’s commitment to advancing women’s basketball and promoting sports development, further solidifying their role as a key stakeholder in the Nigerian sporting landscape.
Amy Okonkwo, the captain of the D’Tigress and the Most Valuable Player of the AfroBasket tournament, expressed the team’s sincere gratitude to Zenith Bank for their invaluable contribution to women’s basketball in Nigeria. The team’s appreciation underscores the significance of Zenith Bank’s support, not just in terms of financial backing, but also in terms of creating a platform for the growth and development of female basketball players in the country. This consistent support has played a crucial role in elevating the standard of women’s basketball in Nigeria and fostering a culture of excellence within the team.
The D’Tigress’ consistent dominance in the AfroBasket tournament over the past five editions is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and talent of the players and coaching staff. Their success is also a reflection of the positive impact of long-term investment in sports development. Zenith Bank’s sustained sponsorship and consistent support have undoubtedly played a pivotal role in shaping this success story, creating a sustainable pathway for future generations of female basketball players in Nigeria.
The celebration of the D’Tigress’ victory and Zenith Bank’s reaffirmation of their commitment highlights a successful partnership that has yielded significant results. This collaborative effort serves as a model for sports development in Nigeria, showcasing the potential of corporate sponsorship to elevate sporting disciplines and empower athletes to achieve greatness on the national and international stage. As the D’Tigress set their sights on global competitions, they carry with them the unwavering support of Zenith Bank and the hopes of a nation, ready to shine on the world stage.
