The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development, Hon. Adeyinka Anthony Adeboye, has hailed the fighting spirit of Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, following their spirited 93-86 loss to host nation France at the FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifying Tournament in Lyon.
Adeboye watched the match live from the stands alongside the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Malam Shehu Dikko, the Director-General of the Commission, Bukola Olopade, and the President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation, Musa Ahmadu-Kida, in a strong show of support for the African champions.
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Despite the defeat, the presidential aide praised the team for their resilience, discipline, and determination, especially after bouncing back strongly from a slow first half to put the French side under pressure in the closing stages.
Nigeria raised their game in the second half, winning the third quarter 21-15 and staying level in intensity with the hosts in the fourth quarter, which ended 21-20, as the contest remained competitive to the final buzzer.
Team captain Amy Okonkwo, who is returning to full fitness after injury, led Nigeria’s scoring with 16 points and two rebounds, while Elizabeth Balogun, Musa Mujarnatu, and Ezinne Kalu also delivered strong performances with 15, 15, and 14 points respectively.
Reacting after the game, Adeboye said the team’s display showed the character and quality that have made D’Tigress one of the most respected sides in African basketball.
“I am very proud of D’Tigress. They played with heart, courage, and the true Nigerian spirit. To come up against a strong French team in front of their home fans and still push them all the way shows the quality, belief, and character in this squad.”
Adeboye also commended the leadership and support structure around the team, praising the efforts of the coaching crew, sports administrators, and federation officials.
“I want to commend the players, the coaching crew led by Coach Rena Wakama, the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Malam Shehu Dikko, the Director-General, Bukola Olopade, and the President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation, Musa Ahmadu-Kida, for their continued support and belief in this team. Their collective effort is helping to keep Nigerian basketball strong and competitive on the global stage.”
He added that the performance, though ending in defeat, should give Nigerians confidence in the future of the team.
“We came here to support our team, and they gave us every reason to be proud. This performance shows that D’Tigress remain a major force in world basketball, and I believe they will continue to grow stronger from here.”
D’Tigress will conclude their campaign on Tuesday against Germany, host of the 2026 Women’s World Cup, with hopes of finishing strongly after their encouraging display against France.
For Adeboye, the outing in Lyon was more than just a result on the scoreboard; it was another reminder of the strength, unity, and promise within the Nigerian team.
