Zenith Bank Plc hosted a grand reception yesterday at their Abuja head office in Maitama to honour Nigeria’s D’Tigress for clinching a record-breaking fifth consecutive AfroBasket title. The bank rewarded the victorious team with a N200 million cash gift.
D’Tigress defeated Mali 78-64 in the final held in Abidjan on Sunday and returned to Nigeria on Monday where they were received by President Bola Tinubu.
At the Presidential reception, the team was awarded national honours of OON and given additional cash incentives.
Zenith Bank, a longtime sponsor of the Women’s National Basketball League, has shown commitment to women’s basketball over 18 years, and its league has produced several stars, including Murjanatu Musa, MVP of Air Warriors’ 2022 title win, and Ifunanya Okoro. Current head coach Rena Wakama also played in the Zenith league for First Bank Women’s Basketball team.
Present at the colourful reception were Zenith Bank Executive Directors Adobi Nwapa, Akin Ogunranti, Henry Oroh, and Louis Odom, who all expressed pride in the team’s achievement.
Also in attendance were National Sports Commission Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko, NBBF President Musa Kida and board members.
GMD/CEO of Zenith Bank, Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji OON, praised the team and reaffirmed the bank’s continued support:
“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.
“I hereby reaffirm Zenith Bank’s steadfast commitment to advancing women’s basketball and promoting sports development across Nigeria.”
Team captain and MVP of the tournament, Amy Okonkwo, responded on behalf of her teammates:
“We appreciate the financial institution for doing a lot for women basketball in the country.”
