The Nigerian women’s national basketball team, D’Tigress, has been awarded a N25 million cash reward by the Federal Government for their victory at the 2020 FIBA Women’s Afrobasket Championship held in Yaoundé, Cameroon. The announcement, made on February 15, 2022, followed the approval of President Muhammadu Buhari, prompted by a recommendation from the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare.
Championship Success and Global Impact
D’Tigress secured their third consecutive Afrobasket title by defeating Mali in the final, solidifying their dominance in African women’s basketball. The victory, which took place in September 2021, marked Nigeria as the continent’s premier team, extending their unbeaten streak in Afrobasket competitions. The team’s performance was a source of national pride, with Dare noting their achievement as a testament to Nigeria’s growing sporting prowess.
Beyond their continental success, D’Tigress made significant strides on the global stage. Just a week before the reward announcement, they qualified for the 2022 FIBA Women’s World Cup in Sydney, Australia, as Africa’s sole representatives. Competing in the qualifiers in Belgrade from February 10-13, 2022, Nigeria bounced back from a 90-76 loss to China to defeat world number five France 67-65 and Mali 73-69, securing their World Cup spot. This achievement highlighted their ability to compete with top-tier global teams, further elevating their status.
Details of the Reward
The N25 million reward, equivalent to approximately $60,000 at the time, was intended as a token of appreciation for D’Tigress’s accomplishments. While the exact distribution among players and staff was not specified, the gesture underscored the government’s recognition of the team’s contribution to national pride. Sunday Dare’s advocacy for the reward emphasized the importance of supporting athletes who elevate Nigeria’s international reputation.
Critical Perspective
While the reward was a positive step, it sparked discussions about the adequacy and timeliness of support for Nigerian athletes. The N25 million, when divided among the team and technical staff, amounted to a modest sum per individual, especially compared to later rewards, such as the $100,000 per player and flats promised by President Bola Tinubu for the 2025 Afrobasket win. Social media reactions at the time noted the disparity, with one user commenting, “N25m for a whole team is small compared to what other countries give their athletes.”
Moreover, the announcement came nearly five months after the 2020 Afrobasket victory, raising concerns about delays in fulfilling promises, a recurring issue in Nigerian sports. The 1994 Super Eagles, for instance, waited 31 years for promised houses, with some players passing away before receiving them. This history fueled skepticism about the government’s commitment, with fans questioning whether the funds would be disbursed promptly.
Broader Context
D’Tigress’s 2020 Afrobasket success, under the leadership of coach Otis Hughley Jr., was a milestone in their remarkable run, which extended to a fifth consecutive title in 2025. Their ability to defeat top teams like France in the World Cup qualifiers underscored their growing global influence, despite Nigeria’s temporary withdrawal from international basketball in 2022 due to administrative issues. The team’s resilience, exemplified by players like Victoria Macaulay and Ezinne Kalu, has made them role models for aspiring athletes across Africa.
The N25 million reward, while symbolic, highlights the need for a more robust support system for Nigerian athletes, including timely payments and investment in infrastructure. As D’Tigress prepared for the 2022 World Cup, their achievements continued to inspire calls for greater recognition and resources to sustain Nigeria’s basketball dominance.
