The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development, Hon. Adeyinka Anthony Adeboye, has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for fulfilling the promises made to Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, describing the gesture as a clear demonstration of the administration’s commitment to athlete welfare and sports development.
The African champions, who are currently in Lyon for the FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifying Tournament, received their certificates for national honours and title documents for houses allocated to them in Abuja, in fulfilment of the promises made by the President after their triumph at the AfroBasket tournament in Cote d’Ivoire last year.
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The presentation was carried out by the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, and the Director-General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, alongside other top government officials, in a development that has further lifted the mood in the Nigerian camp.
Reacting to the development, Adeboye said the fulfilment of the promises has once again shown that President Tinubu is intentional about rewarding excellence and restoring confidence in Nigerian sports.
“This is a proud and emotional moment for Nigerian sports. Mr President has shown clearly that he is a leader who values sacrifice, patriotism and excellence. By fulfilling these promises to D’Tigress, he has sent a strong message to every Nigerian athlete that hard work, dedication and national service will always be recognised and rewarded.”
Adeboye noted that the gesture represents a major shift from the disappointments of the past, when athletes often had to wait years for government promises to be fulfilled.
“What we are witnessing today is the true spirit of Renewed Hope in action. For many years, our athletes gave their all for the country and sometimes had to wait endlessly for promises to be redeemed. But this administration is changing that narrative, and that is highly commendable.”
The presidential aide also praised the leadership of the National Sports Commission and the Nigeria Basketball Federation for their roles in ensuring that the process was carried through successfully.
“I must also commend the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, the Director-General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, and the leadership of the Nigeria Basketball Federation for standing firmly with the team and for helping to drive this important process. Their support reflects a shared commitment to the welfare and motivation of our athletes.”
According to Adeboye, the gesture will serve as a morale booster not only for D’Tigress but for athletes across all sports in the country.
“This will inspire not just D’Tigress, but every young athlete across Nigeria who dreams of wearing the national colours. When athletes see that their country truly appreciates them, it gives them more reason to keep fighting, keep believing, and keep making Nigeria proud.”
He further applauded the players and coaching crew for continuing to represent Nigeria with discipline, courage, and excellence on the international stage.
“D’Tigress have continued to make this nation proud with their consistency, resilience and winning mentality.
They deserve every honour and every support they are getting. I congratulate the players, the coaching crew, and everyone connected with the team, and I urge them to continue flying the Nigerian flag high.”
Adeboye said the moment in Lyon was not just about rewards, but about the building of trust between government and athletes, adding that the Tinubu administration is laying a solid foundation for a more sustainable and athlete-friendly sports system in Nigeria.
“This is more than a reward ceremony; it is a statement of trust, leadership and responsibility. Mr President has demonstrated that sports is not just entertainment, but a serious vehicle for empowerment, national pride and economic opportunity. That is why this gesture will remain memorable for a long time.”
The presentation of the honours and housing documents has been widely celebrated as a landmark moment for Nigerian sports, with many observers describing it as a bold sign that athletes are beginning to receive the recognition and dignity they deserve.
