President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has praised Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, for their outstanding performance at the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket tournament. The president described the team as a symbol of discipline, focus, and team spirit, saying they have brought great honour to Nigeria.
This statement came after D’Tigress defeated Senegal 75–68 in a tough semi-final match held in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire on Saturday. With this win, the team has now qualified for their fifth straight AfroBasket final, a rare achievement in African basketball.
How the Match Went
The semi-final game against Senegal wasn’t easy. Senegal took the lead in the third quarter, putting pressure on D’Tigress. But Nigeria bounced back with a powerful performance in the fourth quarter, turning the game around and winning it convincingly.
President Tinubu Reacts
President Tinubu reacted to the victory with pride and excitement. He praised the team’s resilience, saying they showed true Nigerian spirit throughout the tournament.
He also gave special recognition to Coach Rena Wakama, the head coach of D’Tigress, for her strong leadership and ability to keep the team focused and united.
“You have brought honour to Nigeria with your discipline, focus, and team spirit,” the President said in a statement.
A Shot at History
D’Tigress will now play Mali in the final of the AfroBasket tournament at 7 PM on Sunday. If they win, they will become the first country in history to win the Women’s AfroBasket five times in a row.
This final is more than just a game — it’s a chance for Nigeria to make African basketball history.
Unbeaten for Nearly 10 Years
D’Tigress have not lost a game in the Women’s AfroBasket since October 2, 2015, when they were defeated by Cameroon. Since then, the Nigerian team has gone on a winning streak, dominating every edition of the tournament.
They already have six AfroBasket titles, and if they win on Sunday, it will be their seventh overall.
Support from the Presidency
President Tinubu promised D’Tigress full support as they aim for victory in the final. He said the entire nation is behind them and wishes them success in lifting another trophy for Nigeria.
What This Means
D’Tigress’s success is a reminder that hard work, discipline, and teamwork can lead to greatness. It also shows that Nigerian women are achieving big things on the international stage.
So as D’Tigress step onto the court for the final, they’re not just playing for a trophy — they’re playing for every young Nigerian dreaming of success.
Let’s go, D’Tigress!
