Former Vice President of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, has paid a glowing tribute to Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, following their triumphant capture of a fifth consecutive Women’s Afrobasket title, declaring that the team did not just compete — they redefined excellence.
D’Tigress defeated Mali 78–64 in the final of the 2025 FIBA Women’s Afrobasket held in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, to extend their unbeaten run in the tournament to nearly a decade, further stamping Nigeria’s dominance on the continental stage.
In a moving message shared online, Osinbajo described the victory as more than a win on the court. To him, it was a national statement — one of identity, preparation, pride, and purpose.
“In Abidjan, our D’Tigress did not simply show up to play. They arrived to remind the continent what happens when preparation meets purpose. Five straight titles. Seven total. Nearly a decade unbeaten. This is not a streak. This is a standard,” he wrote.
The former Vice President went on to highlight the brilliance of individual players in poetic fashion, likening Amy Okonkwo to Kobe Bryant, Promise Amukamara to Magic Johnson, and Elizabeth Balogun to Stephen Curry. He praised Ezinne Kalu for her leadership, Pallas Kunaiyi-Akpannah for her footwork, and Nicole Enabosi for her strength.
He added, “They executed like a team that studied the assignment, marked the scheme of work, and still asked for extra credit. No panic. No flinching. Just that quiet Nigerian confidence we like to call ‘no gree for anybody.’”
Osinbajo also hailed Coach Rena Wakama, who made history as the first female coach to win back-to-back Afrobasket titles for Nigeria. He commended her strategic brilliance, calling her timeouts “more effective than a halftime sermon.”
“She switched defenses like @tunde_onakoya plays chess. Not loudly, but deliberately. Quiet thinking. Loud results,” he said, drawing a parallel with the well-known chess champion.
He also pointed to her intentional wardrobe choices, all Made-in-Nigeria, noting that her outfits sent a clear message — “Walk in who you are. You wear the flag before you lift it.”
In closing, Osinbajo declared:
“This is not just a team. This is a thesis. We are D’Tigress. Five straight titles. Nearly ten years unbeaten. A tiger does not shout its tigritude. It pounces. D’Tigress no gree for anybody. Dem no just show face. Dem own the court. We did not come to play. We came to reign.”
The former leader’s tribute joins a long list of national recognitions for the team. President Tinubu, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, and other political figures including Atiku Abubakar, Bukola Saraki and Rabiu Kwankwaso have also congratulated the team for their record-setting win.
But none perhaps captured the emotion of the moment quite like Osinbajo — a celebration not just of sport, but of identity, excellence and pride in being Nigerian.
