Nigerians have taken to social media to share mixed reactions after President Bola Tinubu rewarded the national women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, with $100,000 each, apartments, and national honours for winning the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Championship.
The team secured a historic fifth consecutive title—and seventh overall—with a 78-64 victory over Mali in the final held at the Palais des Sports de Treichville in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
During a reception at the Presidential Villa on Monday, August 4, Vice President Kashim Shettima, representing Tinubu, announced the rewards, which also included $50,000 for each member of the technical crew and the prestigious Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) honour.
Additionally, players and officials will receive residential properties in Abuja.
While many celebrated the gesture as a fitting recognition for the team’s dominance—extending their unbeaten AfroBasket run to 29 games since 2015—others questioned the timing and source of the funds amid Nigeria’s economic challenges.
Social media comments reflected scepticism, with one user remarking, “So this kind money dey this country? Chim oo,” while another quipped, “He will go and borrow money and come and share it in dollars”.
Critics also drew parallels to the recent $100,000 rewards for the Super Falcons, with some calling it a political move to “share the national cake”.
The debate highlights broader discussions about fiscal priorities, with supporters arguing that women’s sports deserve such investments to inspire future generations.
D’Tigress’ achievement not only solidified Nigeria’s continental supremacy but also secured qualification for the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup, further elevating the country’s global basketball profile.
As the team prepares to return to Nigeria with the trophy, the discourse continues over balancing national pride with economic realities, leaving the government to navigate public expectations amid ongoing calls for transparency.
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Tinubu rewards D’Tigress with $100,000, apartments, and National honours for Afrobasket victory
