The women’s national basketball team, D’Tigress, has expressed their gratitude to President Bola Tinubu and Zenith Bank Plc for the warm receptions they received following their remarkable achievement of winning the continental title for the fifth consecutive time.
The federal government announced a cash reward of $100,000, equivalent in Naira, for each player, and $50,000 for members of the technical crew. The team was also awarded the national honour of OON, along with three-bedroom flats for each player.
In a separate reception just hours later, Zenith Bank presented the entire team with N200 million, granting each of the 13 players N10 million, while the technical crew will share the remainder. Zenith Bank, the sponsor of the women’s league in the country for 18 years, celebrated the team’s success in securing a fifth consecutive title and for their commendable performance at the recent Olympic Games in Paris, where D’Tigress finished eighth overall.
Two players, Murjanatu Musa and Ifunaya Okoro, are products of the league, as is the team’s coach, Rena Wakama, who also represented First Bank in the Zenith Bank Women Basketball League during her playing career.
Speaking on behalf of the team, captain and Most Valuable Player of AfroBasket, Amy Okonkwo, expressed appreciation for Zenith Bank’s contributions to women’s basketball in Nigeria.
“I want to thank Zenith Bank for everything they have done for women’s basketball in Nigeria and for the rewards given to the players and officials,” she said. “We are grateful as a team and hope the company will continue to invest in the team and basketball in Nigeria. We also thank President Tinubu for recognising our achievements.”
Coach Wakama also spoke at the reception held for the team, highlighting the vital support provided by Zenith Bank for women’s basketball in the country.
“So far, Zenith Bank’s contribution has been remarkable. We also thank the Federal Government for hosting us and making us feel valued,” she said. “They have been the foundation for enabling young women to follow their dreams, and we are incredibly thankful for that.”
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