President Bola Tinubu on Sunday celebrated Nigeria’s D’Tigress team for winning the Africa female basketball tournament for the fifth consecutive time and seventh overall.
The team defeated Mali 78-64 in the final match held in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, on Sunday night.
In a post on his verified X handle, @APBAT, Tinubu congratulated the team, saying, “You did it, girls! @DtigressNG.
”Superb performance to become 5x consecutive Champions of Africa and seventh overall. Well done, Coach Rena and the team. You have made Nigeria proud.”
Tinubu also expressed his excitement to receive the team and the trophy in Abuja, wishing them a safe trip.
Earlier, President Tinubu had dispatched a presidential delegation led by Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, to support D’Tigress in their pursuit of the fifth consecutive AfroBasket title.
The delegation represented the full weight of Nigeria’s national pride, belief, and support. Tinubu’s message to the team read, “Go for gold. Go for glory, girls!
Tinubu praised Coach Rena Makama and her technical team for their exemplary leadership, commending the team’s skill, resilience, determination, and teamwork that propelled them to victory.
Despite losing the first quarter, the team showed remarkable determination, winning the second quarter 20-15 and gaining a five-point edge in the third quarter.
First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu also congratulated D’Tigress for their historic victory, saying, “To God be the Glory for yet another victory for Nigeria.
”You have written another golden chapter in our dear Nation’s sporting history.”
She praised the team’s discipline, team spirit, and commitment to excellence, inspiring young girls to dream big.
D’Tigress dominated the tournament, remaining undefeated throughout and showcasing outstanding teamwork, discipline, and resilience.
Ezinne Kalu led the team with 20 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists, while Amy Okonkwo contributed 19 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 assists. This victory extends Nigeria’s unbeaten run in Africa to 29 games, dating back to 2015.
