Captain of Nigeria’s D’Tigress, Amy Okonkwo, had declared that the team’s unprecedented Afrobasket success will motivate young girls worldwide to pursue basketball with passion.
Speaking at a State House reception hosted by President Bola Tinubu on Monday, Okonkwo celebrated the team’s fifth consecutive and seventh overall Afrobasket title, secured with a commanding 78–64 victory over Mali in the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Championship final in Côte d’Ivoire.
“This achievement is more than a trophy; it’s a beacon of hope for young women and girls globally, showing them they can one day stand where we are,” Okonkwo, who earned the tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) award, said during the event.
She expressed deep appreciation for the warm reception, stating, “On behalf of D’Tigress, we are incredibly grateful to be honored here today. Representing Nigeria and showcasing our God-given talents through this sport is a privilege.”
The victory extends D’Tigress’ remarkable 29-game unbeaten streak in Afrobasket, which began in 2015 in Yaoundé, Cameroon, and secures their qualification for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Berlin, Germany, set for September 4–13.
Okonkwo highlighted the team’s ambition to surpass their current achievements, saying, “The sky isn’t our limit. We’re ready to break barriers and aim higher on the global stage.”
Acknowledging the team’s support network, she added, “This success belongs to everyone—our coaches, medical staff, general manager, the Nigeria Basketball Federation president, and the National Sports Commission chairman. Your unwavering support lifts us higher.”
Earlier, Vice President Kashim Shettima, representing President Tinubu, announced rewards for the team, including $100,000, a flat for each player, and the national honor of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).
