D’Tigress receive cash reward of N200m for Historic AfroBasket Triumph From Zenith Bank

Zenith Bank Plc, long-time sponsors of Nigeria’s Women’s Basketball League, has awarded N200 million to the national women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, following their historic fifth consecutive FIBA Women’s AfroBasket title, Sport360NG reports.

The team, who clinched the 2025 championship on Sunday with a 78-64 win over Mali in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, returned to Nigeria on Monday and were received by President Bola Tinubu. During a reception at the State House, the players were honoured with national awards (OON) and financial gifts.

Zenith Bank, a key supporter of women’s basketball in Nigeria for the past 18 years, has played a significant role in developing local talent. Notably, several players from the title-winning squad rose through the ranks of the league, including Murjanatu Musa, who was named MVP while playing for Air Warriors in 2022. Head coach Rena Wakama also featured in the league during her playing days with First Bank.

Commending the team, Zenith Bank’s Group Managing Director and CEO, Dr. Dame Adaora Umeoji (OON), praised the players for their exceptional achievement and reaffirmed the bank’s ongoing dedication to the sport.

“Your triumph at the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket is more than a national victory, it’s a proud moment for African basketball,” Umeoji said. “As long-term partners in the journey of women’s basketball in Nigeria, we are proud of your accomplishments. Zenith Bank remains committed to promoting sports, particularly women’s basketball, across the country.”

Team captain and tournament MVP, Amy Okonkwo, expressed gratitude on behalf of her teammates, applauding Zenith Bank for its consistent investment in women’s basketball and its role in supporting their journey to the top.