…FG also allocated a three-bedroom apartment to each team member at the Renewed Hope Estate,
ABUJA, NIGERIA- The iNews Times | The Federal Government (FG) has delivered on its promise to reward members of Nigeria’s women’s basketball team with houses and national honours after their victory at the 2025 Women’s AfroBasket, according to The iNews Times.
The National Sports Commission confirmed on Monday that housing documents for the players were officially presented to the gold-winning team in Lyon, France. The presentation was led by the Commission’s Chairman, Shehu Dikko, alongside its Director General, Bukola Olopade.
The reward package had earlier been announced by President Bola Tinubu on August 4, 2025, a day after the team successfully defended their continental title. At the time, he approved $100,000 for each player and $50,000 for every member of the 11-person coaching and technical crew in recognition of their achievement.
Beyond the cash rewards, FG also allocated a three-bedroom apartment to each team member at the Renewed Hope Estate, while both players and officials were conferred with the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger.
Those who received the housing documents from FG include Amy Okonkwo, Pallas Kunaiyi-Akpannah, Elizabeth Balogun, Sarah Ogoke, Ifunanya Okoro, Promise Amukamara, Murjanatu Musa, Blessing Ejiofor, Ezinne Kalu, Victoria Macaulay and Nicole Enabosi.
Vera Ojenuwa, also part of the title-winning squad, was absent at the Lyon ceremony after being replaced in the current tournament roster by Rita Igbokwe. She is expected to receive her package at a later date.
Backroom staff honoured alongside the players include head coach Rena Wakama and assistant coaches Wani Muganguzi and Prince Ezeala.
Speaking at the event, team captain Amy Okonkwo expressed appreciation to FG officials and Nigerians for their support, while reaffirming the team’s commitment to making the country proud.
“I just want to say thank you for your support as we prepare for the future and the World Cup in September,” she said, adding that the team remains dedicated to giving their best and representing over 230 million Nigerians with pride.
She also thanked the president for the rewards and national honours, noting that the recognition meant a great deal to the team.
Head coach Rena Wakama also praised the sports authorities for their continued support, expressing confidence in the team’s progress and future prospects.
The ceremony took place as the African champions continue their qualifying campaign for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Lyon.
Nigeria opened with a commanding 70–37 win over Colombia, followed by a 77–60 loss to South Korea. They bounced back with a 101–84 victory over the Philippines before falling 93–86 to France.
The team is set to wrap up their campaign against Germany on Tuesday. Having already secured qualification by winning the AfroBasket title, the remaining fixtures are mainly serving as preparation for the World Cup finals.
