The Federal Government has honoured Nigeria’s female basketball team, D’Tigress, with national awards and monetary gifts following their historic fifth consecutive victory at the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Championship.

Each member of the victorious squad received the national honour of the Order of the Niger (OON), along with a cash reward of $100,000 and a flat. Members of the technical team, led by Coach Rena Wakama, were also awarded $50,000 each.

The announcement was made during a reception held in Abuja on Monday evening, where President Bola Tinubu hosted the team.

The president was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima and First Lady Senator Remi Tinubu.

The reward comes just a week after the Federal Government similarly honoured the Super Falcons for securing Nigeria’s 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title in Morocco.

D’Tigress clinched their seventh AfroBasket title on Sunday after a commanding 78–64 win over Mali in a tense final. The win also extended their unbeaten streak in the competition to 29 games, a run that stretches back to 2015.

Despite a slow start common throughout the tournament Nigeria rallied in the second quarter, going into halftime with a 41–41 tie.

In the semi-final, they edged out Senegal 75–68 in what was described as the “final before the final.”

Sunday’s final saw standout performances from Amy Okonkwo and Ezinne Kalu, who scored 19 and 20 points respectively.

Kalu’s crucial baskets in the second and third quarters proved pivotal, while contributions from Promise Amukamara, Victoria Macaulay, and Musa who added nine points and four rebounds showcased the team’s strength in depth.

The third quarter proved decisive, with Nigeria tightening their defense and outscoring Mali 20–15. They maintained their lead into the fourth quarter and sealed the win with a composed finish.

With this latest triumph, D’Tigress have solidified their dominance as the most formidable women’s basketball team on the African continent.