NSC Honours D’Tigress Legend Sarah Ogoke On Retirement

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has extended its congratulations to former D’Tigress Captain, Sarah Ogoke, OON, following her official announcement of retirement from the national team at the age of 35.

Ogoke’s retirement was made public in Lyon, France, on Monday during a vibrant ceremony organised by Xejet, the official partners of Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, attended by her teammates.

Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, stated that the entire nation is immensely proud of Sarah and her contributions over more than a decade as a national team player.

“We are so proud of you as a Commission, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, is also very proud of you for all you have given to the country.”

Dikko further highlighted the admiration of the First Lady: “Another person who is also extremely proud of you is our mother, the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who connects so much with how well you have inspired millions of women and girls all over Nigeria and beyond with your shared resilience, determination, and purpose as a player, a mother, a wife, and a Doctor.”

He expressed his pleasure at witnessing the event, thanking the NBBF leadership and Xejet for honouring Ogoke. Dikko also noted the auspicious timing of her retirement: “It even gladdens my heart more that you are retiring at a time like this where we have a President who does not joke with the well-being of Nigerian athletes, and this is why you are retiring with a national honour and other incentives.”

Hon. Bukola Olopade, Director General of the NSC, hailed Sarah Ogoke as a living legend in Nigerian basketball, whose inspiring journey serves as a perfect example for the next generation of Nigerian athletes.

“We don’t have too many of Sarah Ogoke around, and for us at the NSC, you mirror what Nigerian sports should truly look like. You excelled in all you do, combining a successful sports career with quality education as a Medical Doctor and a successful married life.”

He concluded by emphasising her ongoing value: “You are truly a big asset to Nigerian basketball and sports generally, and you might have retired from active playing in the national team, but we will continue to draw from your expertise as a commission.”

Sarah Ogoke, OON, is a five-time Afrobasket champion with the D’Tigress, a remarkable run of success that began in 2017. She now retires from the Nigeria Women’s National Team at 35 as an accomplished Medical Doctor, a mother, and a wife.

The D’Tigress hope to give her a fitting send-off with a victory over Germany on Tuesday in their final game at the FIBA Women’s World Cup qualification tournament in Lyon.