Tinubu salutes D’Tigress for reaching fifth straight AfroBasket final

President Bola Tinubu has praised Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, after they booked a spot in the final of the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Championship.

The defending champions edged past Senegal 75–68 in a tightly contested semi-final on Saturday at the Palais des Sports in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire — securing a fifth consecutive final appearance.

In a statement released on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu described the team’s performance as a symbol of resilience, discipline, and consistent excellence.

“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,” the President said.

Beyond their final qualification, the victory also guarantees D’Tigress a spot in the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup qualifying series set for March next year.

President Tinubu reserved special praise for the team’s head coach, Rena Wakama, Nigeria’s first female to handle the side, acknowledging her leadership and ability to inspire the girls from the bench.

“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,” he stated.

The President reaffirmed his support for the team as they hunt for their fifth straight AfroBasket crown and seventh overall.