The Director General of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), H.E. Comrade Philip Shaibu, has saluted Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, for their emphatic title defense at the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket, describing their victory over Mali as “a masterclass in resilience, unity, and dominance.”
In a personally signed statement issued from Abuja, the former Edo State Deputy Governor hailed the team’s record-breaking achievement — securing a fifth consecutive AfroBasket title and reinforcing Nigeria’s status as the powerhouse of African women’s basketball.
Held in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, the final clash was anything but easy. Mali came out firing, taking the first quarter 26–21. But true to their pedigree, D’Tigress responded with grit and discipline, tying the game at 41–41 by halftime. From there, Nigeria’s champions seized the moment — controlling the third quarter and sealing a commanding 78–64 win.
“This is more than just a win — it is a historic statement of Nigeria’s continental dominance,” Shaibu said. “D’Tigress have set a new benchmark for African basketball.”
Shaibu extended special commendation to the coaching crew, the Musa Kida-led Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), and the Federal Ministry of Sports for their collaborative role in supporting the team’s journey to glory.
He further urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to bestow national honours or formal recognition on the team, echoing the commendations recently given to the Super Falcons. According to Shaibu, the time has come to celebrate female athletes not just with applause, but with concrete national gestures that inspire future generations.
“These women have brought pride to our nation. They deserve to be celebrated at the highest level — not only with words, but with awards, incentives, and lifelong recognition,” he added.
The NIS DG reaffirmed the Institute’s dedication to developing top-tier sports talent and serving as the engine room for Nigeria’s future success on the global stage.