Nigeria’s victorious women’s basketball team D’Tigress have finally received the houses and national honours promised to them after their triumph at the 2025 FIBA Women’s Afrobasket.

Members of the team and their officials were handed certificates for national honours alongside title documents for houses allocated to them in Abuja during a presentation in Lyon, France, where the team is currently preparing for the FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifying Tournament.

The documents were presented by Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission of Nigeria, and the commission’s Director General Bukola Olopade, alongside other government officials.

The rewards were originally announced by Bola Ahmed Tinubu after the team clinched the Afrobasket title in August 2025 in Côte d’Ivoire.

Speaking during the presentation, Dikko praised the President for fulfilling the promise without delay, saying the gesture signals an end to the era when Nigerian athletes waited years for government rewards.

“I want to first of all thank Mr President for making sports work again in Nigeria and giving every Nigerian athlete a renewed confidence that sports can truly change their lives and put food on their table, because it’s not just leisure but a serious business,” he said.

“Mr President is happy to give you girls these honours and houses because you have consistently placed Nigeria on the global map with your performance, your patriotic spirit and your never-give-up mentality.”

Dikko also disclosed that the cash rewards promised to the players were already in the final stage of processing and would soon be paid into their bank accounts.

Olopade added that the gesture represents a new direction for sports development under the current administration.

“Mr President is a rewarder and his reward system is already yielding tremendous results in sports and fulfilling his promise to you girls on time is another testament to the priority he places on Nigerian sports,” Olopade said.

“Like what I often say, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, be rest assured that when you do well for the country, a grateful and thankful nation is waiting for you.”

President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation, Musa Kida, also thanked the President for prioritising the welfare of Nigerian athletes.

Head coach Rena Wakama said the team was grateful for the recognition and promised continued success for the country.

Team captain Amy Okonkwo also expressed appreciation on behalf of the players, pledging that the team’s commitment to Nigeria would remain strong.