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Today, 3rd of August, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has lauded Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, for their thrilling victory over Senegal in the quarterfinals of the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket, describing the match as “the final before the final.”
The hard-fought contest, played at the Palais De la Sport, Treichville in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, ended 75-68 in favor of the reigning African champions. The win marks D’Tigress’ seventh straight triumph over Senegal and secures the team’s spot in the semifinals of the tournament for the fifth consecutive edition.
President Tinubu’s congratulatory message, released on Sunday morning through his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, was shared via Onanuga’s official X (formerly Twitter) account.
The president celebrated the team’s consistency and resilience, noting that their remarkable run in the championship has once again brought pride and honor to the nation.
“President Bola Tinubu warmly congratulates Nigeria’s female basketball team, D’Tigress, on their remarkable achievement of reaching the final of the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket for the fifth consecutive time, following a hard-fought victory over Senegal,” the statement read.
“The President commends the resilience and dominance of the reigning champions, who have now defeated their Senegalese rivals for the seventh time, with a historic 75-68 win at the Palais De la Sport, Treichville, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.”
In addition to reaching the final stages of the AfroBasket tournament, the team’s performance also secured them qualification for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup qualifying series scheduled for March 2026.
“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,” President Tinubu stated.
He also paid glowing tribute to the team’s Head Coach, Rena Wakama—the first woman to lead the national side—praising her for her inspiring leadership and deep understanding of the game.
“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.”
President Tinubu assured the team of his full support as they aim for their fifth straight AfroBasket title and seventh overall, reinforcing his administration’s commitment to sports development and national pride through excellence on the international stage.
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