By Naheem Olaoye
The Federal Government has completed the payment of the naira equivalent of $100,000 to each player of Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, fulfilling the cash component of President Bola Tinubu’s reward for their historic continental triumph.
The National Sports Commission (NSC) confirmed that the players and team officials received the payments on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, with each official receiving the naira equivalent of $50,000. According to the commission, all beneficiaries have confirmed receipt.
The payment completes the presidential reward package announced for D’Tigress following their record-breaking performance at the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket, where they secured their fifth consecutive continental title and seventh overall.
The reward package also included three-bedroom apartments in Abuja and national honours under the Order of the Niger (OON).
The NSC said the beneficiaries had earlier received the title documents, including Certificates of Occupancy, for the Abuja apartments, as well as certificates confirming their national honours in February 2026.
The commission said the documents were signed by President Tinubu, adding that the latest cash payment meant that all components of the presidential reward had now been fully redeemed.
D’Tigress also acknowledged the payment on Thursday through its official social media account with the message, “Presidential reward acknowledged.”
The NSC said the presidential rewards formed part of the Federal Government’s efforts to improve the welfare of Nigerian athletes and recognise outstanding performances on the international stage.
Super Falcons Await Cash Reward
The commission also disclosed that the Super Falcons, who were promised a similar package after winning the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, had received their apartment title documents and national honours.
However, the cash component of the Falcons’ reward — also $100,000 for each player and $50,000 for each official in naira equivalent — is expected to be paid before their next official engagements.
The completion of D’Tigress’ reward marks the latest step in the Federal Government’s effort to honour the team after another dominant campaign in African women’s basketball.
