In a rousing show of national pride and unwavering support, the National Sports Commission (NSC) has thrown its full weight behind Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, as they prepare to defend their title at the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Championship in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
The tournament, which tips off on July 25 and runs through August 3, will see the reigning African queens attempt to etch their names even deeper into continental history by securing an unprecedented fifth consecutive AfroBasket title. D’Tigress are not only defending champions but also serial conquerors, having clinched the title in 2017, 2019, 2021, and 2023 — the latter with a thrilling 84–74 victory over arch-rivals Senegal in Kigali, Rwanda.
As part of their final preparations, the D’Tigress squad paid a courtesy visit to the NSC headquarters, where they were warmly received and celebrated for their consistency, excellence, and inspiring dominance in African basketball.
Speaking during the reception, NSC Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, showered praises on the team for their outstanding achievements, describing them as not just champions, but national treasures and role models.
> “D’Tigress have made Nigeria proud time and time again. Winning four straight AfroBasket titles is a monumental feat, and the entire nation is united in willing you to a historic fifth. You are not only champions on the court — you inspire millions of young African girls off it,” Dikko declared.
Demonstrating the Commission’s commitment to athlete welfare and success, Dikko invited the team to present their immediate needs ahead of their departure. In a swift and responsive gesture, the NSC approved all requests put forward by the team, reinforcing the government’s dedication to equipping the champions for glory.
Also speaking, NSC Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, emphasized the symbolic power of D’Tigress’ journey, noting that their success transcends medals and trophies.
> “What this team has accomplished is about more than titles. It’s about grit, unity, preparation, and turning pressure into purpose. D’Tigress have proven time and again that Nigerian excellence is real and repeatable. The NSC stands fully behind you — you deserve more than applause; you deserve real support,” Olopade affirmed.
The event was attended by an array of high-profile figures within Nigeria’s sporting ecosystem, including the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development, Adeboye Adeyinka Anthony; Director General of the National Institute of Sports, Rt. Hon. Phillip Shuaibu; President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Engr. Habu Gumel; Head of Elite Athlete Development and Podium Performance, Yusuf Alli; and the 2nd Vice President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Miss Aku Aghazu.
With the full backing of the nation and a legacy on the line, D’Tigress are poised not just to defend a title, but to inspire a generation and cement their place in the annals of African sports history.
PIONEER NEWS 