Kida, D’Tigress Captain Laud Tinubu After $100,000 Payment

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has received praise from the Nigeria Basketball Federation and members of D’Tigress after the Federal Government fulfilled its promise to pay $100,000 to each player of the national women’s basketball team.

The National Sports Commission confirmed that the naira equivalent of the payment was credited to the accounts of all D’Tigress players on September 9, 2026. Team officials also received the naira equivalent of $50,000 each.

The payment completes the financial component of the presidential reward announced after D’Tigress won the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket title in Côte d’Ivoire.

NBBF President Musa Kida has previously described the reward as well deserved, stressing that the team’s achievement reflected years of consistent dominance in African women’s basketball.

D’Tigress defeated Mali 78-64 in the 2025 final to win the continental championship for a record fifth consecutive time and seventh overall.

The victory prompted the Federal Government to announce a package that included cash rewards, national honours and housing for the players and officials.

D’Tigress captain Amy Okonkwo also expressed appreciation for the recognition and support given to the team, noting the significance of being rewarded for representing Nigeria at the highest level.

The cash payment follows the earlier fulfilment of other components of the presidential package. In February 2026, players and officials received title documents for their three-bedroom apartments in Abuja, as well as certificates for the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) national honour.

The latest payment means all components of the reward promised to the team have now been completed.

The National Sports Commission said the gesture reflects the government’s commitment to improving the welfare of Nigerian athletes and recognising outstanding sporting achievements.

D’Tigress have established themselves as Africa’s dominant women’s basketball team in recent years, winning five consecutive AfroBasket titles and maintaining their position among the continent’s leading basketball nations.

The players are now expected to continue preparations for upcoming international competitions as they seek to build on their historic success.

The payment has also renewed attention on the importance of sustained investment in Nigerian sports, with stakeholders calling for improved support structures that can help athletes compete successfully on the international stage.