L-R: Executive Director, Mr. Henry Oroh; Executive Director; Mr. Louis Odom; D’Tigress Captain, Amy Okonkwo; President, NBBF, Engr. Musa Kida; Group Managing Director/ Chief Executive, Zenith Bank Plc., Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji, OON; Head Coach, D’Tigress, Rena Wakama; Executive Director, Mrs. Adobi Nwapa and Executive Director, Mr. Akin Ogunranti during the reception hosted by Zenith Bank to celebrate D’Tigress’ 2025 Afrobasket Women’s Championship triumph in Abuja, yesterday.
Zenith Bank Plc rolled out a grand reception at its Abuja head office on Tuesday to honour Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, following their record-setting fifth consecutive FIBA Women’s AfroBasket championship. In recognition of their achievement, the bank awarded the team a N200 million cash prize.
Each player on the victorious team will receive N10 million, which will be deposited directly into their Zenith Bank accounts, while the remainder will be shared among the technical crew and other support staff.
The triumphant team, who defeated Mali 78–64 in Sunday’s final in Abidjan, returned to Nigeria on Monday and were received by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who conferred national honours (OON) on the players alongside additional cash rewards.
Zenith Bank has been a steadfast supporter of women’s basketball in Nigeria for 18 years, sponsoring the Women’s National Basketball League. Their commitment has helped shape the careers of several current D’Tigress players, including Murjanatu Musa, MVP of the 2022 league champion Air Warriors, and Ifunanya Okoro, both of whom have risen through the ranks of the national league. Even the current head coach, Rena Wakama, once played in the league for First Bank Women Basketball Team.
The reception was graced by Zenith Bank’s top executives, including Adobi Nwapa, Akin Ogunranti, Henry Oroh, and Louis Odom, who all praised the team for bringing honour to Nigeria. Also in attendance were key sports officials such as the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, and NBBF President, Musa Kida, along with board members of the federation.
Speaking at the event, Zenith Bank’s Group Managing Director/CEO, Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji, OON, expressed deep pride in D’Tigress’ achievements, reaffirming the bank’s unwavering commitment to the growth of women’s basketball and overall sports development in Nigeria. “Your victory at the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket is not just a win for Nigeria, it is a win for African sports,” she declared.
“We are not just supporters , we are proud partners in the growth of women’s basketball. Zenith Bank remains committed to advancing sports across Nigeria.”
In response, team captain and AfroBasket MVP, Amy Okonkwo, expressed heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the team, acknowledging Zenith Bank’s pivotal role in the development and promotion of women’s basketball in the country.
