President Bola Tinubu has honoured Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, with generous rewards after their record-setting fifth consecutive FIBA Women’s AfroBasket title.
The team, led by coach Rena Wakama, secured their historic victory on Sunday in Abidjan, defeating Mali 78-64 after overcoming a slow start.
The win meant D’Tigress secured their seventh AfroBasket title overall, cementing their place as Africa’s basketball powerhouse.
According to the Vanguard, each player received a cash reward of $100,000, along with a bedroom flat at the Renewed Hope Estate and the prestigious national title of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).
Team reception at the State House, Abuja pic.twitter.com/ZmODcPC5hL
— DTigress (@DtigressNG) August 4, 2025
Vice President Kashim Shettima made the announcement on Monday evening at a special reception held for the team at the State House Banquet Hall in Abuja.
Nigeria's D’Tigress have been rewarded with $100,000 and new apartments EACH, after they won the 2025 Women's AfroBasket.
— Africa Facts Zone (@AfricaFactsZone) August 4, 2025
Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu conferred the national honours of the Order of the Niger (OON) on them.
Each Coach will receive $50,000. pic.twitter.com/IeHCQzAzB2
The coaching and technical crew, comprising 11 members, were each awarded $50,000 and also received the same national honours and accommodation as the players.
Tinubu ignores Pastor Adeboye’s advice
Meanwhile, President Tinubu’s reward distribution has stirred a subtle controversy, following a public plea from Pastor Enoch Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).
In his Sunday sermon, Pastor Adeboye emphasised the important role of coaches and technical staff in any team’s success, Punch reports.
Drawing from biblical principles and life wisdom, he stated:
“You need a coach to win; coaches have the knowledge and wisdom required to win. If you don’t know how to win, you will lose.”
Adeboye further argued that the strategic input of coaches is often more critical than physical effort on the field.
“Wisdom is better than strength,” he said, while suggesting that coaches should earn equal, if not greater, rewards than players. His comments came just a day before the rewards were officially announced.
Mixed reactions after D'Tigress rewards
While Tinubu’s grand gesture has been widely praised for recognising women’s sports and motivating athletes, critics have noted the President’s decision to give the coaching crew half the reward offered to the players, despite Adeboye’s timely advice.
Many observers believe this could reignite the broader debate over the undervaluation of coaching and backroom staff in Nigerian sports.
The OON national honours & $100k from @NigeriaGov, for each @DtigressNG player, for winning a fifth consecutive #AfroBasketWomen title, is fantastic. But why only $50k for head @Coach_Rena? She should get more than $100k, as the team leader. Correct this! #AfrobasketWomen2025 pic.twitter.com/BHm6WHDy95
— Osasu Obayiuwana (@osasuo) August 4, 2025
Supporters of the President, however, argue that the $50,000 reward, along with national honours and accommodations, still represents significant recognition, especially compared to past governments.
The celebration of D’Tigress follows closely after a similar state reception for the Super Falcons, who won their record-extending 10th WAFCON title in Morocco.
These back-to-back honours signal a shift in the administration’s attitude toward supporting female athletes and rewarding excellence.
