Tinubu Rewards D’Tigress With $100,000, Flats, OON National Honour For Afrobasket Triumph

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has honoured Nigeria’s national women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, with a cash reward of $100,000 for each player, a flat each, and the prestigious Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) national honour, following their historic victory at the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Championship.

Vice President Kashim Shettima announced the presidential rewards on Monday evening during a special reception held in their honour at the State House Banquet Hall, Abuja.

In addition to the players, members of the coaching and technical crew were each awarded $50,000, a three-bedroom flat, and conferred with the OON national honour.

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu and the Wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Shettima, as well as the Chief of Staff to the President, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila, joined the Vice President to warmly receive the D’Tigresses on behalf of the President.

Speaking during the reception ceremony, the Vice President received the champions, describing their victory as a shining example of the nation’s talent, resilience, and unity.

“You have brought great pride to Nigeria. Your excellence on the court has once again put our nation on the global map for sporting greatness”, Shettima told the team.

The team clinched their fifth consecutive AfroBasket title—and seventh overall—by defeating Mali 78–64 in the final played at the Palais des Sports de Treichville in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

The remarkable win reaffirmed their dominance in African women’s basketball and continued an unbroken winning streak that began in 2017.

Monday’s ceremony drew top government officials, including the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Youths and Sports Development, Senator Garba Maidoki; and Chairman of the House Committee on Sports, Hon. Kabiru Amadou.

The recognition of D’Tigress follows a similar state reception President Tinubu hosted last week for the Super Falcons, after their record-extending tenth Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) victory in Rabat, Morocco.

 

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D’Tigress Wins Fifth Consecutive Afrobasket Title, Tinubu Commends Team

Nigeria’s D’Tigress have cemented their dominance in African women’s basketball, clinching their fifth consecutive FIBA Women’s AfroBasket title with a commanding 78-64 victory over Mali.

With a hard-fought victory over Mali in the final on Sunday, the Nigerian side became the first country on the continent to win the championship five times in a row.

The victory also extended Nigeria’s astonishing unbeaten run in the competition to 29 straight games—an unbroken streak dating back to 2015.

President Tinubu has commended the skill, resilience, determination, and teamwork that propelled the team to the fifth consecutive title, and the seventh overall.

He praised the team’s determination to bring glory to the country despite losing the first quarter of the match.

“Your superb performance throughout the competition has made Nigeria proud. Like the Super Falcons, you have inspired our young ladies. You embodied the indomitable Nigerian spirit, the power of unity, and the rewards of hard work.

“By winning the AfroBasket trophy for a record fifth consecutive time, you have written your names in history and shown the world what to expect out of Africa,” the President stated.

President Tinubu also lauded Head Coach Rena Wakama and her technical team for their exemplary leadership and the Nigeria Basketball Federation for their steadfast support.

“The Federal Government and Nigerians will never forget the sacrifices and remain grateful for the highly elevating performances.

“The government and the people of Nigeria celebrate you and assure you of our continued support as you prepare for the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup next March.

President Tinubu added, “I look forward to receiving the victorious team and the trophy in Abuja, while wishing you all a safe trip.”

 

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WAFCON: Morocco Petitions CAF Over Super Falcons’ Victory

Morocco’s Football Federation has officially submitted a petition to the Confederation of African Football, alleging “refereeing injustices” during the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final against Nigeria’s Super Falcons.

As reported by Morocco World News, the FRMF claimed that the Centre Referee failed to award a “clear” penalty in the 82nd minute, with the score level at 2-2 during the finals.

Video evidence suggested a potential handball by Super Falcons defender Tosin Demehin, but following a video assistant referee review, the referee overturned her initial decision.

Following the incident, Morocco’s coaching staff and players expressed their frustration as the federation contended that the referee’s decision significantly impacted the match’s outcome, which ultimately saw the Super Falcons’ 3-2 triumph.

Moroccan head coach, Jorge Vilda, who previously led Spain to victory at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, remarked after the match: “It was a small detail that cost us the game.”

Vilda, typically reticent on refereeing issues, also acknowledged that fatigue contributed to his team’s second-half collapse.

In contrast, Nigeria’s coach, Justine Madugu, praised Morocco for their strong first-half performance and noted that tactical adjustments at half-time changed the game’s trajectory in favour of his side.

“The substitutions made a significant difference,” he stated. “Morocco have a bright future ahead.”

The final, held at Rabat’s Olympic Stadium, saw Morocco establish a commanding 2-0 lead in the first half.

However, the Super Falcons emerged revitalised in the second half, with goals from Esther Okoronkwo, Folashade Ijamilusi, and substitute Jennifer Echegini turning the tide.

With this defeat, the Atlas Lionesses marked an unfortunate milestone as the first hosts to lose consecutive WAFCON finals.

The victory secured a record-extending 10th WAFCON title for the Super Falcons.

In the third-place play-off, the Black Queens of Ghana emerged victorious, defeating former champions Banyana Banyana of South Africa on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regular time.

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Goldberg Salutes Super Falcons On Historic 10th WAFCON Title Win, Reaffirms Commitment To Women’s Football

Goldberg Lager, one of the flagship brands of Nigerian Breweries, has congratulated the Super Falcons of Nigeria on their hard-fought victory at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), where they lifted their record-extending 10th continental title.

According to a statement from the brand, the Super Falcons' 10th WAFCON win truly aligns with the ongoing #GoldStandard campaign, showcasing the rest of the continent's best in beauty, fashion, and style on and off the field of play.

The Nigerian women’s team edged past hosts Morocco 3-2 in a thrilling final at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat on Saturday night, capping off a remarkable campaign that showcased their strength, unity, and experience.

In its congratulatory message on Saturday, Goldberg hailed the Super Falcons’ journey as a “true symbol of Naija resilience and pride,” celebrating a team that continues to inspire millions of Nigerians and football fans across the continent.

 “The Super Falcons have once again shown why they are the pride of Africa,” the statement read. “Their courage, discipline, and unity reflect the true spirit of champions. We are proud to celebrate this achievement with them and with all Nigerians,” the Brand Manager, Goldberg, Titilayo Famodimu stated.

Nigeria kicked off their campaign with a 3-0 thrashing of Tunisia before edging out South Africa in the semi-finals after a fierce contest. 

Beyond matchday cheers, Goldberg and Nigerian Breweries have been fuelling the rise of women’s football in Nigeria through consistent brand partnerships, grassroots engagements, and national team support campaigns.

From spotlighting female athletes in their advertising to backing platforms that promote the women’s game, the brand has stayed committed to breaking barriers and opening more opportunities for Nigerian women in sports.

Goldberg noted that this WAFCON title is not only a victory for the Super Falcons but for every girl who dreams of wearing the green and white.

 “We believe in the power of women, and we’re proud to be part of this journey. This win is for all of Nigeria, and we look forward to doing even more to support the women’s game,” she concluded.

The Super Falcons had truly aligned with the brand’s ongoing campaign at #GoldStandard, showcasing the rest of the continent's best in beauty, fashion, and style on and off the field of play.

 

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President Tinubu Rewards WAFCON Champions As Super Falcons Bag National Honors And $100,000 Each

    In a grand reception held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Monday evening, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu honored Nigeria’s Super Falcons for their sensational comeback victory over Morocco in the final of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

The Super Falcons, who secured their record 10th WAFCON title with a 3–2 win after coming from two goals down against hosts Morocco on Saturday in Rabat, were received by the President in a jubilant atmosphere as the pride of a grateful nation.

As part of the national honor and appreciation, each player and member of the technical crew received:

• Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON)

• A 3-bedroom flat each

• $100,000 cash reward

• $50,000 to each to all members of the technical crew

And an additional 10 Million Naira was awarded to the players by the Governors’ Forum.

President Tinubu, who had placed a post-match video call to the team on Saturday night, spoke with pride and admiration for the team during the ceremony, saying:

“I am very, very proud of you. The entire nation is proud of you. You have lifted our spirits. You are a pride to your generation, and we are all very happy.”

“You will be celebrated, and I look forward to receiving the trophy in Abuja,” he had added during that call.

The Super Falcons arrived in coaster buses at exactly 4:35 p.m., where they were received at the forecourt of the State House, before being ushered into a formal meeting with the President.

Leading the squad were Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, who was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player, and head coach Justin Madugu, who masterminded the incredible comeback win.

With this 2024 title, Nigeria’s Super Falcons have won four WAFCON tournaments in the last decade (2014, 2016, 2018, and now 2024), maintaining their dominance in African women’s football.

Their victory in Rabat was one of the most historic and dramatic in WAFCON history, coming back from 0–2 down to win 3–2, and sending shockwaves through the continent and breaking the hearts of the Atlass Lioness of Morocco and it’s fans in general.

According to a statement from the Villa, “Today’s event will be written as one of the most generous reward packages ever given to an African women’s national team.

“The national honours, real estate gifts, and dollar rewards highlights President Tinubu’s commitment to women’s sports and youth development.”

The Super Falcons will now return to their various clubs and countries as national heroines, but they leave the Villa with a message of pride, unity, and recognition that their excellence has been etched in the nation’s history.

 

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Detailed Analysis Of How Super Falcons Defeated Morocco To Win 10th WAFCON Title

The CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations came to a close on Saturday with Nigeria defeating Morocco in an epic final. Trailing 2-0 at half-time in front of a partisan Moroccan crowd, the Super Falcons showed their pedigree and resilience, clawing their way back into the match with a display of clinical finishing and sheer determination to cement their status as queens of African football.

Goals from Esther Okoronkwo, Folashade Ijamilusi, and a late winner by Joe Echegini overturned Morocco’s strong first-half lead, stunning the Atlas Lionesses who were hoping to clinch their first-ever continental title on home soil.

The final had all the ingredients of a classic: a host nation looking to crown a golden generation with history, and Africa’s most successful women’s side eager to reaffirm their dominance.

Morocco got off to a dream start. With just 12 minutes on the clock, captain Ghizlane Chebbak opened the scoring with a brilliant strike from outside the box, curling the ball low past Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie.

The home crowd erupted, sensing history in the making.

Things got even better for the Atlas Lionesses in the 24th minute when Sanaâ Mssoudy doubled Morocco’s lead.

A slick pass from Ibtissam Jraidi found Mssoudy in space, and the forward made no mistake with a composed finish into the bottom right corner.

Nigeria appeared stunned and went into the break trailing by two goals, facing an uphill battle. But coach Justin Madugu’s half-time talk sparked a spirited response from the Super Falcons.

The comeback began just after the hour mark when a VAR review handed Nigeria a lifeline.

A handball by Nouhaila Benzina resulted in a penalty, which was coolly dispatched by Okoronkwo to make it 2-1.

From that moment, momentum swung Nigeria’s way. In the 71st minute, Okoronkwo turned provider, slipping a neat ball into the path of Ijamilusi, who drilled a left-footed effort into the bottom corner to bring Nigeria level.

With the match heading towards extra time, Nigeria found the winner.

A well-worked set-piece situation saw Esther Okoronkwo once again involved, delivering a clever assist to Joe Echegini, who calmly slotted home in the 88th minute to seal a dramatic turnaround.

Despite late pressure and a flurry of Moroccan attacks, the Super Falcons held firm through a tense final few minutes of stoppage time.

It was a heartbreaking end for Jorge Vilda’s Morocco side, who had impressed throughout the tournament and were bidding to become only the fourth nation ever to lift the WAFCON trophy after Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea and South Africa.

But the night belonged to the Super Falcons, whose experience, depth and never-say-die spirit propelled them to yet another African title — their 10th in 13 editions.

Nigeria’s triumph not only extended their unmatched legacy on the continent but also served as a resounding statement that, even in the face of rising challengers, they remain the team to beat in African women’s football.

 

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