Tinubu: Nigeria Must Reward Those Who Bring Honour To Country

President Bola Tinubu says Nigerians who bring honour and glory to the country through sporting excellence deserve to be rewarded, stressing that fulfilling government promises to athletes will encourage others to represent Nigeria with pride wherever they find themselves.

The President stated this as he announced the completion of the Federal Government’s cash rewards to members of the national women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, following their historic triumph at the 2025 Women’s AfroBasket Championship.

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Each D’Tigress player received the naira equivalent of $100,000, while members of the coaching and technical crew received $50,000 each.

The payments form part of a broader reward package that includes national honours and three-bedroom houses in Abuja.

D’Tigress defeated Mali 78–64 in the final in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, to win a record fifth consecutive Women’s AfroBasket title and their seventh continental crown.

Tinubu said the cash payments took time because the government had to comply with statutory procedures, but insisted that promises made to the athletes must be honoured.

“Every promise made to our athletes must be fulfilled.”

He described the completion of the reward package within one year as unprecedented for presidential sporting rewards of such scale.

The President said rewarding Nigerians who excel on behalf of the country should go beyond public applause, stressing that tangible recognition can inspire others to strive for excellence.

“Those who bring honour to our country deserve more than applause; they deserve a nation that honours its commitments.”

Tinubu said the gesture was also intended to encourage Nigerian sportsmen and women to continue giving their best for the country.

“We want our sportsmen and women to continue making Nigeria proud, knowing that their sacrifices and achievements will not be forgotten.”

The President also disclosed that the government was concluding outstanding cash payments to the Super Falcons, following their record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title in 2025.

The players and officials have already received documents for their allocated homes and certificates of national honours.

Tinubu added that housing and national honours promised to the Super Eagles after their silver-medal finish at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations had also been delivered.

He urged Nigerian athletes to remain committed to excellence and patriotism, assuring them that the country would continue to recognise those who distinguish themselves on the international stage.

“Continue to make Nigeria proud. Wherever you find yourselves, remember that you are ambassadors of this great country.”

The President’s message places the reward of D’Tigress within a broader national commitment to honouring Nigerians who distinguish themselves, with the hope that recognition of their achievements will inspire more citizens to proudly represent the country and contribute positively to its reputation at home and abroad.