Tinubu rewards D’Tigress' players with $100,000 each, flats and OON national honour following Afrobasket win

D’Tigress Rewarded Lavishly: Celebration, Critique, and the Bigger Picture

In a move that has stirred both national pride and public debate, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has awarded Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, with $100,000 each, three-bedroom apartments, and the prestigious Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) honor. This recognition follows their dominant victory over Mali in the final of the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Championship, marking their fifth consecutive title and seventh overall.

A Moment of National Celebration

The reception, held at the State House Banquet Hall in Abuja, was attended by top government officials, including Vice President Kashim Shettima and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu. Shettima praised the team’s resilience, calling their performance a source of “great pride” and a symbol of Nigeria’s global sporting excellence.

For many Nigerians, the gesture is a long-overdue celebration of female athletes. Social media lit up with comments like “Naija ladies just dey trash everybody for Africa!” and “This will inspire generations of girls,” reflecting widespread admiration.

Gender Empowerment in Focus

The recognition of D’Tigress, led by Coach Rena Wakama and MVP Amy Okonkwo, is being hailed as a powerful statement on gender representation. The First Lady described their victory as “a beacon of hope for young girls,” reinforcing the transformative power of visibility in sports.

Public Skepticism and Economic Concerns

Despite the celebratory tone, many Nigerians voiced concern over the lavish nature of the gifts. Comments such as “So this kind money dey this country?” and “We share borrowed money” reflect growing frustration over perceived fiscal irresponsibility.

Some critics pointed to unpaid wages in government agencies, including the Librarian Registration Council of Nigeria, where staff claim to have gone over 14 months without pay. “Misplaced priorities,” one commenter wrote, urging the President to address broader systemic issues.

Political Symbolism and Strategic Messaging

Beyond the rewards, the gesture serves as a political statement. Vice President Shettima emphasized that sports are now seen as “infrastructure, education, and a diplomatic tool,” suggesting a broader strategic role for athletics in governance.

This aligns with the administration’s recent reception for the Super Falcons following their WAFCON victory, signaling a pattern of using sports to foster national unity and international prestige.

Sport as a Development Tool

The government’s investment in D’Tigress is also being framed as a move to boost youth employment and economic transformation. By elevating sports, the administration hopes to inspire more young Nigerians to pursue athletic careers and contribute to national development.

Morale and National Identity

For many, the gesture boosts national morale and offers a rare moment of celebration. It sends a message that excellence is rewarded, potentially motivating youth to strive for greatness in sports and beyond.

As Nigeria basks in the glory of D’Tigress’ triumph, the conversation continues: Can the nation balance celebration with accountability? And will this moment spark lasting change in how athletes, and citizens, are valued?