President Tinubu fulfils pledge to gold-winning squad with three-bedroom flats, OON titles, and cash rewards ahead of September World Cup

The Federal Government of Nigeria has fulfilled its promise of awarding houses and national honours to Nigeria's women's basketball team following their triumph at the 2025 Women's AfroBasket.

The National Sports Commission announced that housing documents for the gold-winning squad had been formally presented to the players. The ceremony was presided over by Commission Chairman Shehu Dikko and Director General Bukola Olopade.

President Bola Tinubu had first announced the reward package on August 4, 2025, after the team successfully defended their continental title in Lyon, France. The president pledged $100,000 to each player and $50,000 to every member of the 11-person coaching and technical crew in recognition of the team's achievement.

In addition, President Tinubu approved a three-bedroom flat for each team member at the Renewed Hope Estate and conferred the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) on both players and officials.

The players who received housing documents are: Victoria Macaulay, Pallas Kunaiyi-Akpannah, Sarah Ogoke, Amy Okonkwo, Ifunanya Okoro, Promise Amukamara, Murjanatu Musa, Blessing Ejiofor, Ezinne Kalu, Nicole Enabosi, and Elizabeth Balogun.

Backroom staff honoured alongside the players include head coach Rena Wakama and assistant coaches Wani Muganguzi and Prince Ezeala.

Speaking during the ceremony, team captain Okonkwo thanked government officials and Nigerians for their support, reaffirming the squad's commitment to representing the country with pride.

"I really want to say thank you for being here today, for taking time out of your busy schedules to support us as we prepare for the future and for the World Cup coming up in September," said Okonkwo.

“Every day we show up here and do our best, and I want to make over 230 million Nigerians proud and make you all proud. You pour into us. You give us your time, your energy, and your effort.”

Okonkwo also expressed gratitude to the president for the reward package and the national honours bestowed on the team.

"It really means the world. I also thank the president for his gifts. I know that was not easy, and thank you for honouring us with the OON. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu," she said.

Head coach Wakama commended the sports authorities for their support and expressed optimism about the squad's future.

"The DG and the NSC Chairman, thank you for your courageous efforts to continue to help us move forward. We are happy and excited," said Wakama.