Tinubu Sends Message to D’Tigress After Qualifying for Afrobasket Final: “Another $100K Incoming?”
- Nigeria’s female basketball team D’Tigress beat Senegal 75-68 to reach their fifth straight Afrobasket final in Abidjan
- President Bola Tinubu praised the team’s resilience and coach Rena Wakama’s leadership after reaching another final
- The team has jokingly referenced Tinubu’s $100,000 reward as motivation ahead of the final against Mali
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, for securing a place in the final of the 2025 FIBA Women’s Afrobasket Championship in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.
The reigning African champions defeated Senegal 75-68 in a thrilling semi-final at the Palais des Sports de Treichville on Saturday night to reach their fifth consecutive Afrobasket final.
Source: Twitter
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu praised the team’s discipline, resilience, and team spirit, highlighting that their victory represents another proud moment for Nigerian sports, Vanguard reports.
Tinubu sends message to D’Tigress
Nigeria’s win over Senegal not only marked their seventh straight victory over their West African rivals but also guaranteed them a spot in the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup qualifiers.
Source: Twitter
The President hailed the D’Tigress’ performance in what was described as “the final before the final”, praising Rena Wakama for her leadership and tactical brilliance.
“President Bola Tinubu warmly congratulates Nigeria's female basketball team, D'Tigress, on their remarkable achievement of reaching the final of the 2025 FIBA Women's AfroBasket for the fifth consecutive time, following a hard-fought victory over Senegal.
“I have observed the discipline, focus, and team spirit consistently displayed by D’Tigress throughout this tournament, qualities that have brought honour to our nation and earned respect worldwide,” Tinubu stated.
D’Tigress, who are chasing their fifth straight Afrobasket title and seventh in total, will face Mali in the final later on Sunday. A win will further etch their name in African basketball history.
“Practicing for Tinubu’s $100,000”
Away from the court, D’Tigress had fans in stitches with a playful social media post after their semi-final win.
Referencing the $100,000 cash reward President Tinubu recently awarded the Super Falcons after their 10th WAFCON triumph, the team wrote on X:
“We’re practising for President Tinubu’s $100,000.”
According to BBC News Pidgin, Tinubu had made headlines after he gifted the victorious players of the Super Falcons team $100,000 each for winning the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title.
Each player was also gifted a three-bedroom apartment in Abuja and awarded a national honour for winning a historic 10th WAFCON.
The lighthearted post from D’Tigress has sparked excitement among fans, who are already speculating whether the President will extend a similar gesture to the reigning basketball queens if they lift the trophy.
Tinubu reaffirmed his support and encouragement for the team as they aim to defend their crown and continue their golden era in African basketball.
Adeboye sends message to Tinubu
In a related development, Legit.ng reported that Pastor Enoch Adeboye has sent an important message to President Tinubu over the financial rewards given to the victorious Super Falcons after their historic 10th WAFCON win in Morocco.
Speaking during a Sunday service on August 3, Adeboye commended the president for appreciating the players but argued that the coaches and technical officials deserved equal, if not higher, recognition for their role in guiding the team to victory.
Source: Legit.ng
