Nigeria’s Women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, will depart Abidjan,Cote d’ lVoire for Abuja, this morning following their historic win at the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket.
The team is expected to arrive at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja by noon, for onward journey to the presidential villa where they would be treated to a rousing welcome by President Bola Tinubu and First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
The D’ Tigress defeated Mali 78–64 in the final on Sunday days after upsetting Senegal 75-68 in the semi final to advance into their fifth consecutive final appearance.
Coached by 33- year – old American – Nigerian professional, Rena Wakama, the team having won the championship for 5 consecutive times and 7 overall has extended its dominance in Africa while also making a formidable impression in global rating.
Meanwhile,President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the team,” commending their skill, resilience, determination, and teamwork that propelled the team to” victory.
A statement issued by his Spokesman,Bayo Onanuga read:
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Nigeria’s national women’s basketball team D’Tigress, for lifting their seventh African championship at the 2025 FIBA Women’s Afrobasket.
The Coach Rena Wakama-led female team won the Afrobasket finals by defeating the Malian side, 78-64, in a thrilling match Sunday night at the Palais des Sports de Treichville in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
President Tinubu commended the skill, resilience, determination, and teamwork that propelled the team to the fifth consecutive title, and the seventh overall.
He praised the team’s determination to bring glory to the country despite losing the first quarter of the match.
“Your superb performance throughout the competition has made Nigeria proud. Like the Super Falcons, you have inspired our young ladies. You embodied the indomitable Nigerian spirit, the power of unity, and the rewards of hard work.
“By winning the AfroBasket trophy for a record fifth consecutive time, you have written your names in history and shown the world what to expect out of Africa,” the President stated.
President Tinubu also lauded Head Coach Rena Wakama and her technical team for their exemplary leadership and the Nigeria Basketball Federation for their steadfast support.
“The Federal Government and Nigerians will never forget the sacrifices and remain grateful for the highly elevating performances.
“The government and the people of Nigeria celebrate you and assure you of our continued support as you prepare for the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup qualifying tournaments next March.
President Tinubu added, “I look forward to receiving the victorious team and the trophy in Abuja, while wishing you all a safe trip.”
Their win also secures automatic qualification for the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup in Berlin.
Recall that the D’ Tigress gave a superlative performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics beating Australia, and Canada to advance to the last eight ( quarter final stage) where they made their gallant exit after a tough fight with 10 time winner, Team USA
