President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Nigeria’s national women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, on their historic qualification for the final of the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket championship — marking the fifth consecutive time the team has reached the tournament’s final.

In a statement released by the State House on Saturday, August 2, President Tinubu praised the team’s hard-fought 75-68 semi-final victory over long-time rivals Senegal, describing it as a “remarkable achievement” and a testament to their dominance and resilience.

The match, played at the Palais De la Sport in Treichville, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, marked the seventh consecutive win for D’Tigress over Senegal in AfroBasket encounters, a feat Tinubu called “historic.”

The President described the semi-final as “the final before the final,” and commended the team not only for advancing to Sunday’s championship decider but also for securing a spot in the qualifying tournament for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup, scheduled for March 2026.

“I have observed the discipline, focus, and team spirit consistently displayed by D’Tigress throughout this tournament—qualities that have brought honour to our nation and earned respect for our players and coaches worldwide,” Tinubu said.

He offered special recognition to Rena Wakama, D’Tigress’ first female Head Coach, crediting her leadership and experience for inspiring the team to greater heights.

President Tinubu reaffirmed his support for the team as they aim to clinch their fifth consecutive AfroBasket title and seventh overall, urging them to finish strong.

The statement was signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.