'You are true inspirations and pride to girls' - Tinubu hails D'Tigress

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has extended heartfelt congratulations to the national women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, following their qualification for the 2025 Afrobasket final.

In a post shared via her official X (formerly Twitter) account on Sunday, the First Lady applauded the team for their decade-long dominance in African women’s basketball and praised their commitment and resilience.

“I congratulate the D’Tigress National Basketball team #DtigressNG for qualifying for the finals of this year’s Afrobasket Tournament,” she wrote.

Highlighting their unbeaten 10-year run, Mrs. Tinubu commended the team’s consistency, hard work, and love for the game.

“Your 10-year unbeaten run is commendable, as it shows your commitment, dedication, hard work, and love for the game.

“You are true inspirations and pride to girls and women in general. Thank you for keeping the Nigerian flag flying. I pray that as you step out for the final match, God will crown your efforts and grant you great success. We all await your arrival, with the trophy again!,” she noted.

D’Tigress booked their place in the final after a gritty 75–68 semifinal win over Senegal on Saturday at the Palais des Sports de Treichville, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

The game, dubbed a "clash of titans," lived up to expectations. Nigeria edged the first quarter 22–17 and kept their momentum going with a narrow 21–20 second-quarter lead.

Senegal pushed hard in the second half, but the defending champions held firm in a fiercely contested match.

The victory moves Nigeria closer to lifting their sixth Afrobasket title and fifth in a row, further cementing their place as Africa’s queens of basketball.

Led by coach Rena Wakama and powered by a mix of experienced stars and young talents, D’Tigress remain unbeaten in the competition since 2015.

Nigeria will face Mali in the final today after their 76-50 semifinal victory over South Sudan.