Players and officials of the victorious D’Tigress are still basking in the euphoria of the warm welcome they received from both the government, corporate Nigeria, and the public following their fifth consecutive Afrobasket victory in Côte d’Ivoire.
The players and their officials have been warmly received since their heroic achievement in Abidjan, where they made history by winning the African women’s title for a record fifth time in a row.
After winning the tournament, the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), alongside the National Sports Commission (NSC), ensured the team was flown back home like royalty on a chartered flight to officially present the trophy to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, at the Presidential Villa.
Reflecting on the events organised for the team in recent days, the players expressed profound gratitude to the Federal Government and corporate bodies, led by Zenith Bank PLC.
Captain of the team, Amy Okonkwo, described the receptions as an unforgettable experience of a lifetime.
“My girls and I are sincerely overwhelmed by how the entire country welcomed us and showed us love. It has been a wonderful and indescribable experience, and we are now even more motivated to do more for the country.
“Mr. President showed us fatherly love and has given us renewed hope for the future. I cannot express enough gratitude towards our mothers—the Minister of Women Affairs, the Minister of Culture and Creative Economy, and the Minister of State for Finance. Their support has been incredibly inspiring, and as a team, we are very thankful.”
“The leadership of the National Sports Commission, NSC, led by Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director General Hon. Bukola Olopade, has also been very supportive. We have never had it this good, witnessing how concerned the NSC has been about our welfare and success throughout the tournament.”
“I also want to extend my thanks to corporate Nigeria, especially Zenith Bank PLC, who have been a significant supporter of Nigerian basketball for many years. They played a crucial role in our success story today. A heartfelt thank you also goes to NNPC, and we are very excited about all the plans they are putting together for Nigerian basketball.”
Amy Okonkwo, who was named the best player of the tournament, also expressed special appreciation for the leadership of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), led by its President Engr Musa Kida.
“None of this would have been possible without the exceptional leadership in Nigerian basketball, led by our President, Engr Musa Kida, whose immense sacrifices have brought us this far. He is our father and leader who inspires us every day, alongside our General Manager Musa Adamu and other board members of the federation,” she concluded.
President of the NBBF, Engr Musa Kida, has also thanked everyone for making the girls’ victory an unforgettable experience, expressing confidence that this will undoubtedly open a new chapter of growth for basketball in the country.
