Lyon Handover: Tinubu Delivers on “Gold-Standard” Rewards for D’Tigress AfroBasket Champions
In a landmark moment for Nigerian sports administration, the Federal Government has officially fulfilled its million-dollar pledge to D’Tigress, the national women’s basketball team. The handover took place on Monday, March 16, 2026, in Lyon, France, providing a major morale boost as the African queens navigate the final stretch of the FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifying Tournament.
The “New Era” of Sports Rewards
Breaking from the legacy of “unfulfilled promises,” the current administration has delivered a comprehensive reward package following the team’s historic fifth consecutive AfroBasket title in August 2025.
The Presidential Package Includes:
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Housing: Official title documents for a three-bedroom flat in Abuja for each player and technical official.
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National Honors: Certificates for the Order of the Niger (OON) for the players and technical crew.
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Cash Incentives: $100,000 for each player and $50,000 for technical crew members (currently in the final stages of disbursement).
Lyon Handover: Tinubu Delivers on “Gold-Standard” Rewards for D’Tigress AfroBasket Champions
The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, Adeboye Anthony Adeyinka, The Senior Special assistant on Grassroots Sports development to President Federal Republic of Nigeria and Director-General Bukola Olopade personally delivered the documents to the team, emphasizing that under President Bola Tinubu, sports is no longer just leisure but a “serious business” capable of transforming lives.
The Global Grind: Focus Shifts to Germany
The handover comes at a critical juncture. D’Tigress are currently in Lyon, battling for a spot in the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup. So far, the team has shown resilience with dominant wins over Colombia and the Philippines, though they faced narrow setbacks against South Korea and host nation France.
Lyon Handover: Tinubu Delivers on “Gold-Standard” Rewards for D’Tigress AfroBasket Champions
With captain Amy Okonkwo and head coach Rena Wakama leading the charge, the team is set for its final qualifying showdown against Germany on Tuesday, March 17. The timely fulfillment of these rewards serves as a powerful reminder that “a grateful and thankful nation” stands behind them.
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