
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.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that Zenith Bank Plc has celebrated Nigeria’s women’s national basketball team, D’Tigress, with a generous N200 million reward following their record-breaking fifth consecutive FIBA Women’s AfroBasket title, secured after a thrilling 78-64 victory over Mali in Sunday’s final in Abidjan.
At a grand reception held on Tuesday at the bank’s head office in Maitama, Abuja, Zenith Bank announced that each player will receive N10 million, with the remaining funds shared among the technical crew and support staff all to be credited directly into Zenith Bank accounts.
The reception comes a day after President Bola Tinubu hosted the triumphant team at the Presidential Villa, conferring them with National Honours (OON) and cash rewards for their outstanding achievement on the continental stage.
Zenith Bank’s contribution is a testament to its long-standing commitment to women’s basketball development in Nigeria, having sponsored the Women’s National Basketball League for over 18 years. The league has produced many talents, including current team members like Murjanatu Musa and Ifunanya Okoro, and even coach Rena Wakama, who once played for the First Bank Women Basketball Team.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that the event was graced by Zenith Bank Executive Directors Adobi Nwapa, Akin Ogunranti, Henry Oroh, and Louis Odom, all of whom praised the team for bringing pride to the nation.
Also in attendance were Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission; Musa Kida, President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF); and members of the federation’s board.
While speaking at the event, Zenith Bank GMD/CEO, Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji, OON, reaffirmed the bank’s unwavering support for sports, especially women’s basketball.
“Your victory at the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket is not just a win for Nigeria, it is a win for African sports,” she said.
“At Zenith Bank, we celebrate your victory – not just as supporters, but as longstanding partners in the development of women’s basketball in Nigeria. We remain steadfast in our commitment to advancing women’s basketball and promoting sports development across the country.”
Responding on behalf of the team, AfroBasket MVP and captain, Amy Okonkwo, expressed deep appreciation to Zenith Bank for its consistent investment in women’s basketball over the years.
“Zenith Bank has done a lot for women’s basketball in Nigeria, and we’re truly grateful,” she said.
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