By Adesakin Adefemi
The Federal Government has fulfilled President Bola Tinubu’s promises to the Nigerian women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, by presenting them with houses and national honours.
The presentation was made in Lyon, France, where the team is participating in the FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifying Tournament.
The National Sports Commission Chairman, Shehu Dikko, and Director-General, Bukola Olopade, presented certificates for national honours and title documents for houses allocated to the players and officials in Abuja.
Dikko said the gesture demonstrated the administration’s commitment to rewarding excellence and fulfilling promises made to Nigerian athletes promptly.
Dikko noted that the current government had shown readiness to honour its commitments without delay, unlike in the past when such promises lingered. “I thank Mr President for restoring confidence in Nigerian sports and proving that sports can transform lives and livelihoods,” Dikko said.
According to him, the President appreciates the team for consistently placing Nigeria on the global map through dedication, patriotism, and resilience. The team had won the 2025 Afrobasket title in Côte d’Ivoire, and the President had promised to reward them with houses and national honours.
Olopade said Tinubu’s approach was redefining sports development in Nigeria in line with global standards, where athletes are properly rewarded. He described the prompt fulfilment of the pledge as proof of the priority the administration places on sports and athletes’ welfare.
The President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation, Musa Kida, thanked Tinubu for prioritising athletes’ welfare and setting a lasting legacy for Nigerian sports. Head coach of the team, Rena Wakama, expressed gratitude to the President for the support, assuring Nigerians that the team would continue to make the country proud.
Team captain Amy Okonkwo also thanked the President on behalf of the players, pledging that the team’s commitment to national success would remain unwavering. The gesture has been welcomed by Nigerians, who see it as a sign of the government’s commitment to supporting sports development in the country.
The presentation of the houses and national honours is seen as a boost to the morale of Nigerian athletes, who have been working hard to make the country proud in various international competitions. It is also expected to motivate other athletes to strive for excellence in their respective sports.
The Federal Government’s gesture is a clear indication of its commitment to promoting sports development in Nigeria and rewarding athletes for their hard work and dedication.
