Zenith Bank celebrates D’Tigress with N200m for historic AfroBasket win

Zenith Bank Plc, a long-standing sponsor of the Women’s National Basketball League, hosted a distinguished reception yesterday at its Abuja headquarters in Maitama to honor Nigeria’s D’Tigress for securing a historic fifth consecutive AfroBasket title.

The bank presented the triumphant team with a generous cash reward of N200 million.

D’Tigress achieved victory over Mali with a score of 78-64 in the final match held in Abidjan on Sunday, subsequently returning to Nigeria on Monday, where they were warmly received by President Bola Tinubu.

During the Presidential reception, the team was awarded national honors in the form of the Order of the Niger (OON) and received additional cash incentives.

Zenith Bank has demonstrated an enduring commitment to women’s basketball for 18 years, and its league has produced several notable players, including Murjanatu Musa, the Most Valuable Player of the Air Warriors’ title win in 2022, and Ifunanya Okoro.

Current head coach Rena Wakama also played in the Zenith League for the First Bank Women’s Basketball team.

In attendance at the elegant reception were Zenith Bank Executive Directors Adobi Nwapa, Akin Ogunranti, Henry Oroh, and Louis Odom, who all expressed their pride in the team’s accomplishments. Additionally, notable attendees included National Sports Commission Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko, NBBF President Musa Kida, and several 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.”