President Bola Tinubu on Monday in Abuja received Nigeria’s senior national women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, who won the AfroBasket title by defeating their Malian counterparts by 78-64 in the final played at the Palais des Sports de Treichville in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
With this remarkable victory, the women have reaffirmed their dominance in African women’s basketball and continued the unbroken winning streak that began in 2017.
Receiving the team and their officials in Abuja by Vice President Kashim Shettima announced cash gifts $100,000 to each of the players, while the coaching crew and technical would receive $50,000 each. In addition, each member of the team will receive and two bedroom flats at Renewed Hope Estate for every member of the team and the coaching staff.
Shettima also announced conferment on the players and the technical crew the prestigious national honour of the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).
It will be recalled that the same recognition was given to the Super Falcons, after their record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) victory in Rabat, Morocco.
Addressing the team at the reception, the Vice President described their victory as a shining example of the nation’s talent, resilience and unity.
He hailed the victorious team saying: “You have brought great pride to Nigeria. Your excellence on the court has once again put our nation on the global map for sporting greatness.”
Shettima praised the team’s resilience and spirit in the face of challenges, noting, “My dear daughters, you fought back from behind in the past quarter, not with panic, but with poise. You wore the green and white not just as clothes, but as a symbol of unity, and now you wear the crown as kings of African basketball for the fifth consecutive time.”
The Vice President commended Coach Rena Wakama for her inspirational leadership.
“You represent the evolution of leadership in Nigerian sports,” Shettima said.
“Your quiet strength and historic achievements have shattered ceilings and inspired countless young girls nationwide who now know that no dream is too bold for a Nigerian woman. You indeed deserve your award as the best coach in Africa and the world.,” he added.
GIK/APA