D’Tigress Thrash Colombia 70–37 In World Cup Qualifier

Victoria Macaulay was named TCL Player of the Game after a dominant showing helped Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, cruise past Colombia 70–37 in their opening match of the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Qualifiers on Wednesday at Astroballe Arena in Lyon, France. Coming off the bench, Macaulay scored 13 points in just 14 minutes, shooting 5-of-6 from the field and converting all three free throws. She also contributed across the board with six rebounds, one assist, one steal, and two blocks, showcasing a complete performance in Nigeria’s 33-point triumph. D’Tigress imposed their defensive will, particularly in the second half, limiting Colombia to only eight points. Nigeria controlled the first quarter with an 18–12 lead, while Colombia edged the second quarter 17–16. However, the third quarter saw D’Tigress dominate 19–5, followed by a 17–3 run in the fourth to seal the decisive victory. Nicole Enabosi added a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds, and Ifunanya Okoro chipped in 10 points as Nigeria maintained their superior form. Although the team is competing in the qualifiers, Nigeria had already secured a spot at the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Germany after winning the 2025 AfroBasket championship. D’Tigress will continue their campaign in Lyon with matches against South Korea, France, and Germany, aiming to improve their FIBA world ranking ahead of the main tournament.

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Tinubu Rewards D’Tigress With $100,000 Each, Houses, and National Honours

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has rewarded members of Nigeria’s women’s national basketball team, D’Tigress, with national honours, one flat each, and cash prizes following their historic fifth consecutive victory at the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Championship. At a presidential reception held Monday at the Presidential Villa, and represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, President Tinubu conferred the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) title on every player and member of the technical crew. Each player will receive the naira equivalent of $100,000, while the coach and technical staff will receive $50,000 each. “You have conquered Africa and opened the door to global greatness,” Tinubu said, praising the team’s 78–64 win over Mali and their qualification for the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup Pre-Qualifying Tournament. The President commended Coach Rena Wakama for her leadership and praised Amy Okonkwo (tournament MVP) and Ezinne Kalu (top scorer in the final) for their individual brilliance. Tinubu also hailed Nigerian women for their consistency in sports excellence, noting recent triumphs by the Super Falcons and athletes on the global stage. The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, described the win as a “resounding statement of hard work, excellence, and national pride,” saying it will inspire generations of Nigerian girls to pursue greatness. Captain Amy Okonkwo thanked the President and First Lady for their support, pledging that the team will continue to make the nation proud.

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Breaking: Tinubu Gifts D’Tigress N150M Each, National Honours, 3-Bedroom Flats

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has rewarded members of the Nigeria’s D’Tigress with mouthwatering gifts for lifting their seventh African Championship at the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket. The President represented by the Vice President at the Presidential Villa’s Bouquent Hall, Abuja decorated the team and technical crew with Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON). The President also gifted the players the sum of $100,000,00 (N150,000,000), while the coach and the technical crew $50,000,00. The players and the technical crew were also rewarded with three bedroom flats at the Renewed Hope Agenda Estate, Abuja. 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 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.” The Coach Rena Makama-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.

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Minister Musawa Hails D’Tigress on Historic Fifth Straight Afrobasket Title

Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire — August 4, 2025 Nigeria’s Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, has congratulated the national women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, on their remarkable victory at the 2025 FIBA Afrobasket tournament, where they clinched the title for a record fifth consecutive time. Musawa, who watched the final match live in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, alongside the Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, and the Minister of State for Finance, Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Anite, praised the team’s dominant 78–64 win over Mali. “I am overjoyed by D’Tigress’s record-breaking Afrobasket victory,” Musawa said. “Their triumph showcases true Nigerian excellence and resilience. I commend every player, coach, and supporter who contributed to this achievement.” Describing the win as a symbol of unity, dedication, and elite talent, the Minister emphasized that D’Tigress’s continued dominance on the continental stage was not only a reflection of Nigeria’s growing stature in global sports, but also a source of inspiration for young girls and aspiring athletes nationwide. She further stated that the victory would “energise a new generation of athletes,” and underscored the importance of supporting women in sports. In recognition of their historic feat, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to host and honour the team at the Presidential Villa. This latest win cements D’Tigress’s place as the most successful women’s basketball team in Afrobasket history.

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