ABUJA, Nigeria – The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development, Hon. Adeyinka Adeboye (Zulu Authority), has extended heartfelt congratulations to Nigeria’s D’Tigress for their stunning victory over Mali to claim an unprecedented fifth consecutive FIBA Women’s AfroBasket title in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
Describing the moment as “a new dawn for Nigerian sports,” Hon. Adeboye said the D’Tigress have once again raised the Nigerian flag high and proved that excellence, discipline, and unity can achieve the extraordinary.
“This victory is not just a win for the basketball team—it’s a win for every young girl in Ajegunle, Aba, Gombe, and Sokoto dreaming of greatness. D’Tigress have shown us what is possible when talent meets opportunity, preparation, and patriotism. Nigeria is proud of you,” Adeboye said.
The Nigerian women’s basketball team defeated Mali 78–64 in a commanding final performance, led by star forward Amy Okonkwo, who poured in 26 points. The team showed resilience after trailing in the first quarter and outperformed Mali in both offensive and defensive execution in the second half.
Adeboye also saluted Coach Rena Wakama, the trailblazing head coach who has now guided D’Tigress to back-to-back continental titles, calling her “an inspiration to all women in sports and a symbol of the new era of inclusive leadership.”
“Coach Wakama is a shining example of what women in leadership can accomplish. Her work is revolutionising the way we view sports leadership in Nigeria and across Africa,” he said.
With the win, Nigeria automatically qualifies for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup African Qualifiers, setting the stage for further global impact.
Hon. Adeboye said the triumph also validates the efforts being made by the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, noting the increasing support for both elite and grassroots development.
“This is the harvest season. From our Super Falcons’ incredible WAFCON triumph to D’Tigress’ dominance and the rise of youth athletes at home, Nigeria is being repositioned as a continental powerhouse. The vision is clear, and the foundation is strong,” Adeboye declared.
He called on corporate bodies, philanthropists, and stakeholders to rally around Nigerian sports, especially at the grassroots level where future champions are born.
“We will keep pushing to ensure every community, school, and young athlete has access to opportunities. Let this victory inspire renewed commitment. Sports is not just entertainment—it is nation-building,” he added.
Hon. Adeboye reaffirmed his office’s commitment to bridging the gap between grassroots potential and global podiums, concluding:
“To D’Tigress, you are the pride of a nation. To our youth, let this be your motivation. And to our partners and supporters—thank you. The journey to greatness continues, and this…is just the beginning.”
