The Federal Government has delivered on its promise to reward Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, with houses and national honours following their historic triumph at the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket.

At a brief but symbolic ceremony in Lyon, France, the National Sports Commission formally handed over documents for three-bedroom flats to members of the gold-winning squad. The presentation was led by the commission’s chairman, Shehu Dikko, alongside its director general, Bukola Olopade, underscoring the government’s commitment to recognising the team’s achievements.

The package stems from President Bola Tinubu’s pledge after D’Tigress successfully defended their continental crown. Each player was promised a three-bedroom flat at the Renewed Hope Estate, a cash reward of $100,000, and the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger. Members of the coaching and technical crew were also included, with $50,000 each and the same national honour.

Players who received their housing documents in Lyon include captain Amy Okonkwo, Pallas Kunaiyi-Akpannah, Elizabeth Balogun, Sarah Ogoke, Ifunanya Okoro, Promise Amukamara, Murjanatu Musa, Blessing Ejiofor, Ezinne Kalu, Victoria Macaulay and Nicole Enabosi. Vera Ojenuwa, part of the AfroBasket-winning squad but absent from the current qualifying tournament, is expected to receive her package later.

The backroom staff honoured alongside the players include head coach Rena Wakama and assistant coaches Wani Muganguzi and Prince Ezeala, reflecting the collective effort behind D’Tigress’ sustained dominance in African basketball.

Speaking at the event, Okonkwo expressed gratitude to the government and Nigerian fans, stressing that the recognition would further motivate the team as they prepare for the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup.

She said the squad remained driven by the responsibility of representing more than 230 million Nigerians and vowed that the players would continue to give their best on the global stage. Okonkwo also thanked President Tinubu for the financial rewards, housing allocation and national honours, describing them as deeply meaningful to the team.

Coach Wakama praised the National Sports Commission’s leadership for sustaining support for women’s basketball and said the ceremony marked both a celebration of past success and a springboard for future achievements.

D’Tigress are in Lyon for the World Cup qualifying tournament, using the games as high-level preparation after securing their World Cup ticket by winning the AfroBasket title.