MONEY NA WATER! - D’Tigress Players Gifted $100,000, Apartments and OON Honours by President Tinubu After Landmark Victory

 

Celebration filled the air as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu lavished praise and rewards on Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, following their outstanding performance on the international stage. The President announced a generous reward package for each player: a staggering $100,000, a new apartment, and the prestigious national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON). Coaches of the team will also receive $50,000 each as part of the commendation from the federal government.

The gesture came on the heels of the team’s fourth consecutive FIBA Women’s Afrobasket title, solidifying their dominance in African basketball. Nigeria’s D’Tigress have become a continental force, defeating top rivals and inspiring countless fans across the country. Their victory not only sparked nationwide jubilation but also earned recognition from the highest level of leadership.

At a grand reception held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, President Tinubu hailed the team as “ambassadors of national pride” and praised their courage, discipline, and unity. The event was attended by top government officials, sports administrators, and members of the diplomatic community.

President Tinubu’s remarks highlighted the government's commitment to supporting excellence in all spheres, especially in sports. He emphasized that the D’Tigress' remarkable success had not only brought glory to Nigeria but also served as a source of hope and inspiration to young people across the nation.

“Your dedication, resilience, and passion have shown the world what Nigeria represents. You have overcome challenges and made history once again. For this, the entire country celebrates you. These rewards are but a token of our appreciation for what you have done for Nigeria,” Tinubu declared.

A wave of emotion swept through the team members as the President unveiled the packages. The players, visibly moved, expressed their gratitude, cheering and exchanging hugs. Team captain, Sarah Ogoke, speaking on behalf of the squad, thanked the President for the honor and promised to continue raising the Nigerian flag high.

“This recognition means the world to us. We’ve worked hard, battled injuries and tough opponents, and today, our efforts are being appreciated. We thank President Tinubu for not just recognizing our success but for honoring it in a way that encourages more women to step into greatness,” Ogoke said.

Beyond the monetary rewards, the conferment of the OON national honour marks a significant moment for the players. Traditionally awarded to Nigerians who have made exceptional contributions to national development, the title signifies that their sporting excellence is now etched into Nigeria’s history books.

For the coaching crew, the President's gesture was equally meaningful. Head coach Rena Wakama, who led the team to victory, applauded the administration for supporting women in sports. “We’ve faced many odds and worked in silence, but today, our work is being loudly celebrated. This shows the country is paying attention, and it pushes us to aim even higher,” Wakama stated.

The announcement of apartments for each player adds a practical dimension to the celebration. While monetary awards are often the norm, housing benefits are seen as a long-term investment in the players’ well-being, providing security and stability as they continue their careers or transition into life after sport.

Sports Minister John Enoh, speaking at the ceremony, praised the D’Tigress for their consistency and professionalism. He revealed that the government is committed to improving sports infrastructure and funding, particularly for female athletes who have often been underrepresented in national conversations.

The reception also served as a platform to reinforce the importance of investing in grassroots sports development. President Tinubu urged stakeholders to channel more resources into discovering and nurturing young talents from across the country, adding that Nigeria's future sporting successes would depend on the strength of its development systems.

With this show of generosity, the Tinubu administration sends a clear signal: excellence will not go unnoticed. The D’Tigress have not only brought home another trophy, they have also changed the conversation around women’s sports in Nigeria. Their story is one of talent, resilience, and now, richly deserved reward.