‘Go for Gold’: Tinubu Sends Delegation to D’Tigress Ahead of AfroBasket Final
‘Go for Gold’: Tinubu Sends Delegation to D’Tigress Ahead of AfroBasket Final
The federal government has demonstrated full backing for Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, as they pursue a record-extending fifth consecutive AfroBasket title in Côte d’Ivoire. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has dispatched a high-level delegation to Abidjan, signaling national confidence in the team’s continental dominance.
Presidential Dispatch to Abidjan
On August 3, 2025, President Tinubu announced via his official X (formerly Twitter) account that he had sent a delegation to Abidjan to stand with D’Tigress as they battle for their fifth straight AfroBasket championship. “I have dispatched a Presidential Delegation to Abidjan to stand with our superlative D’Tigress as they pursue a fifth consecutive AfroBasket title for Nigeria. #MissionV,” he declared.1
Who’s on the Team?
The delegation is led by the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, and includes:
- Hon. Kabiru Amadu – House Committee on Sports
- Barr. Imaan Suleiman – Minister of Women Affairs
- Doris Uzoka-Anite – Minister of State, Finance
- Senate and House sports aides among other dignitaries
This show of support is both moral and institutional, demonstrating the government's belief in the team's potential.2
National Sports Commission Shows Commitment
D’Tigress earlier paid a courtesy visit to the NSC in Abuja, where Chairman Dikko and DG Bukola Olopade formally affirmed Nigeria's full support for their title defense. The NSC quickly approved all immediate needs presented by the team—making it clear that performance and welfare are national priorities.3
President’s Bonus & Welfare Packages Boost Morale
As reported on July 25, President Tinubu also approved enhanced allowances, welfare packages, and performance bonuses for D’Tigress throughout the AfroBasket tournament. The NSC chairman framed it as a new standard: “What our athletes earn, they will be paid — promptly and in full.”4
D’Tigress’ Road to Glory
D’Tigress entered AfroBasket 2025 as defending champions, boasting an unbeaten streak of 26 straight wins in the competition since 2015. They opened with a 92–45 drubbing of Rwanda, followed by a narrow 60–55 win over Mozambique—clinching their spot in the quarterfinals.5
With a win over either Angola or Cameroon, Nigeria will edge closer to a final showdown and a chance at the historic record-five title, while also securing a spot in the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifiers.6
Governance, Support & Strategic Preparation
Despite the widespread endorsement, some voices—including former sports administrator Colonel Sam Ahmedu—have cautioned about “unknown plans” and lack of transparency from the NBBF. Nevertheless, optimism remains high that the team’s blend of experience and talent can carry Nigeria to victory.7
Coach & Captain Lead From the Front
Under Coach Rena Wakama—Nigeria’s first female coach to win an AfroBasket—the team continues to thrive. Captain Amy Okonkwo praised the government’s gesture, declaring: “It shows how much sport is now being taken seriously in the country from the highest level.”8
Why This Matters to Nigeria
This episode reflects more than just sports: it shows national unity, political will, and institutional solidarity moving in step to support female excellence. In a nation where football often dominates headlines, Tinubu and his team are sending a strong message: women’s basketball now defines national pride, too.9
Also read: June 12 Protest Rocks Nigeria as Youths Mobilise Against Bad Governance
📅 Posted on: August 3, 2025 | 🏷️ Labels: D’Tigress, Tinubu, AfroBasket 2025, Nigerian Sports, Women in Sports, NSMedia
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