Tinubu, First Lady Celebrate D’Tigress For Reaching AfroBasket Final

President Bola Tinubu and the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, have congratulated Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, for qualifying for the final of the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket tournament following their victory against Senegal.

The reigning champions edged out their West African rivals 75-68 in a semi-final clash at the Palais De la Sport, Treichville, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

The win was Nigeria’s seventh consecutive triumph over Senegal and their fifth straight appearance in the tournament final. The team’s performance also secured them a place in the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup qualifying tournaments.

President Tinubu lauded the team’s “discipline, focus, and team spirit,” which he said have brought honour to the nation.

Speaking through his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu also praised the Head Coach Rena Wakama, the first woman to coach the national team.

“I have observed the discipline, focus, and team spirit consistently displayed by D’Tigress throughout this tournament…

“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,” said the president.

He assured the team of his full support as they push to win a fifth consecutive AfroBasket title and a seventh overall.

Also reacting to the team’s triumph, the First Lady described D’Tigress as “true inspirations and pride to girls and women in general,” while applauding their decade-long unbeaten run.

“Your 10-year unbeaten run is commendable, as it shows your commitment, dedication, hard work and love for the game,” she said in her message.

She prayed for the team’s success in the final, adding, “We all await your arrival, with the trophy again.”