The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, alongside Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, has extended warm congratulations to Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, following their victory over Mali in the final of the 2025 FIBA Women’s Afrobasket championship.
Led by Coach Rena Wakama, D’Tigress were crowned champions on Sunday at the Palais des Sports de Treichville in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
In a congratulatory message released Monday through the Speaker’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Krishi, Abbas praised the team’s historic achievement.
“Nigeria has now become the first country on the continent to win the Women’s Afrobasket championship five consecutive times, remaining unbeaten in the tournament for a decade since 2015,” he stated.
Abbas also highlighted the dual national pride, recalling the recent victory of Nigeria’s women’s football team, the Super Falcons, who claimed their 10th WAFCON title. He noted that the D’Tigress have once again demonstrated the strength and courage of Nigerian women to inspire positive change.
This achievement has further motivated him to advance his advocacy for gender equality and increased women’s participation in politics and governance.
Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu similarly lauded the team’s resilience, determination, and teamwork, describing the players as powerful role models for the girl child.
In a statement signed by his Special Assistant on Press Affairs, Udora Orizu, Kalu commended Coach Wakama and her team for their outstanding leadership and strategy.
“History has been made again by our women! Congratulations to our incredible D’Tigress on winning the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket title and becoming the first African nation to secure this championship five times in a row,” he declared.
“With this emphatic victory over Mali, these women have made the entire nation proud. This moment is a testament to Nigeria’s potential and the legacy our women continue to build.
Kudos to Coach Rena Wakama and the entire squad for flying our flag high and securing direct qualification to the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Berlin. We are confident you will return with the trophy.”
