President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated the Nigeria’s female basketball team, D’Tigress, for securing a place in the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup qualifying tournaments, scheduled for March 2026.
Commending D’Tigress for their triumph at what has been described as the, “the final before the final” tournament, the President praised the resilience and dominance of the reigning champions, who have now defeated their Senegalese rivals for the seventh time, with a historic 75-68 win at the Palais De la Sport, Treichville, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
President Tinubu lauded the discipline, focus and the team spirit consistently displayed by D’Tigress throughout the tournament, he described the qualities as the ones that have earned Nigeria honour and respect Worldwide.
“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 for our players and coaches worldwide.
“I especially commend Rena Wakama, the team’s first female Head Coach, whose leadership and experience—both on the court and now from the bench—continue to inspire D’Tigress to new heights in this highly competitive sport,” President Tinubu says.
The Nigeria’s female basketball team, D’Tigress, secured remarkable win of reaching the final of the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket for the fifth consecutive time, after a hard-fought victory over Senegal.
A statement by the Presidential Spokesperson, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, conveyed President Tinubu’s assurance of support to the D’Tigress as they pursue their fifth consecutive AfroBasket title and seventh overall.
Lateefah Ibrahim