In a moment of national pride and celebration, the President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), Engr. Musa Kida, has officially dedicated the D’Tigress’ historic victory at the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Championship to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, recognizing the unwavering support of the Nigerian government toward the development of basketball and sports in general.
The Nigerian women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, made history on Sunday night in Kigali, Rwanda, by clinching their fourth consecutive AfroBasket title after a thrilling final match against Senegal. The victory not only cements their dominance on the African continent but also reaffirms their position as one of the most formidable forces in women’s basketball globally.
Speaking during a post-match press briefing and celebration ceremony held at the team’s hotel in Kigali, Musa Kida expressed immense gratitude to President Tinubu and the Federal Government for creating an environment that allowed Nigerian athletes to thrive, despite economic and infrastructural challenges.
“This victory is not just for the team or the federation — it is a victory for every Nigerian and most especially for the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Kida stated.
“We dedicate this historic triumph to him in recognition of his commitment to the sports sector and his renewed efforts to reposition Nigeria as a global sporting powerhouse.”
Kida emphasized that the support from the presidency, through the Ministry of Sports Development, played a vital role in ensuring the team received the necessary logistical, financial, and moral support to compete at the highest level. He also lauded the efforts of Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Enoh, for his consistent engagement with the federation and athletes.
D’Tigress’ remarkable campaign in the tournament was marked by tenacity, teamwork, and skill. They remained undefeated throughout the competition, showing resilience against tough opponents like Mozambique, Egypt, and Senegal. In the final, the team displayed elite-level composure, defeating Senegal 75-64 in what was hailed as one of the most intense finals in recent AfroBasket history.
The championship win marks the seventh AfroBasket title for Nigeria, further solidifying their status as the most successful team in African women’s basketball history. It also guarantees them automatic qualification to the FIBA Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament, setting the stage for another shot at Olympic glory.
Musa Kida, who has led the NBBF through both turbulent and triumphant times, took a moment to reflect on the challenges the federation has faced over the years, including funding issues, internal leadership disputes, and the global COVID-19 disruptions. He credited the players and coaching staff for remaining focused and committed to excellence in the face of these obstacles.
“This win is a product of unity, discipline, and belief. These girls have carried the hopes of a nation with pride and passion. I commend them and urge Nigerians to continue supporting our basketball teams. The journey is far from over.”
He also used the opportunity to call on corporate Nigeria to invest more in basketball, especially the women’s game, which continues to bring international glory to the country. According to him, with increased sponsorship and infrastructure, Nigeria has the potential to become a global leader in basketball talent production.
The players, many of whom play professionally across the U.S., Europe, and Africa, expressed deep appreciation for the support they received from Nigerians and dedicated fans worldwide. Team captain Ezinne Kalu said:
“We came here not just to win, but to make a statement. And we’ve done that for our country. This one is for every young girl in Nigeria dreaming of greatness.”
As congratulatory messages pour in from around the world, President Tinubu is expected to officially receive the team upon their return to Nigeria, where a state reception and national commendation have been proposed to honor their extraordinary feat.
This victory serves as a unifying moment for Nigerians and a beacon of hope amid various national challenges. For the sports community, it is a reminder of what is possible when talent meets opportunity — and above all, support from the highest levels of government.
D’Tigress’ AfroBasket triumph is not just a win on the court, but a win for national pride, gender empowerment, and the indomitable Nigerian spirit.
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