Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja
The Federal Government has congratulated
D’Tigress of Nigeria for emerging as African champions for the fourth consecutive time, following their thrilling 84-74 win over Senegal in the final of the 2023 FIBA Women’s Afrobasket in Kigali, Rwanda on Saturday.
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Sports and Youth Development, Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar, hailed the team coached by Rena Wakama.
In his congratulatory message, Abubakar expressed the country’s pride with the performance of the team at the competition.
He described Saturday’s victory by the D’Tigress as historic especially as the team waited for 12 solid years with no title to show for their efforts.
“D’Tigress ended the drought as they were crowned champions in 2017.The team then followed up with victories in 2019, 2021 and now 2023 in amazing fashion.
“The Rena Wakama-led team has indeed made us proud. Let me emphatically inform you that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is proud of you and is congratulating you. Nigerians are proud of you. You have indeed made us proud,” Abubakar said.
He noted that by virtue of this accomplishment, the D’Tigress has become the only second team ever, after Senegal, to win four consecutive titles at the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket.
While applauding the fighting spirit, as well as commitment of the team which earned them the well deserved victory, Abubakar called on other athletes representing the country at the various global competitions to also strive for podium finishes.
He reiterated the ministry’s commitment to the full implementation of all sporting policies, initiatives, programmes and projects for the empowerment of the teeming youth in line with the policy thrust of the present administration.
He also applauded the ministry and the team’s technical crew for working assiduously towards ensuring that the country’s flag was hoisted at the competition, while also assuring them that the ministry is looking forward to ensuring a rousing welcome for the team.
