Sports
AfroBasket 2025: FG Fulfils Promise To Victorious D’Tigress
The Federal Government has fulfilled its promise to Nigeria’s women’s national basketball team, D’Tigress, following their 2025 victory at the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket tournament in Côte d’Ivoire.
The development was disclosed on Monday by the National Sports Commission, which confirmed that the players had received their national honour certificates and housing allocation documents.
The presentation took place in Lyon, France, where the African champions are currently participating in the FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifying Tournament.
The rewards fulfil an earlier pledge by the Federal Government following the team’s remarkable performance at the continental championship.
On August 4, 2025, President Bola Tinubu announced a special reward package for the team after their record-breaking victory.
Each player was conferred with the national honour of Order of the Niger (OON), alongside a cash reward of $100,000 and the allocation of a flat in Abuja.
Members of the technical crew, led by head coach Rena Wakama, were also rewarded with $50,000 each.
The announcement was made when the President hosted the team in Abuja following their unprecedented fifth consecutive AfroBasket title.
The same set of national honours and incentives was also extended to the Super Falcons after the team secured Nigeria’s 10th title at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
D’Tigress sealed their AfroBasket victory on August 3, 2025, defeating Mali 78–64 in the final to clinch their seventh continental title.
The Nigerian side, however, had to battle through a tense contest to secure the win.
Key performances from Amy Okonkwo and Ezinne Kalu were instrumental in securing the victory.
Nigeria entered the final quarter leading 61–56 and maintained their composure to close out the game, securing a historic fifth consecutive AfroBasket title.
The victory further extended D’Tigress’ dominance in African women’s basketball, as the team has now won 29 consecutive games without defeat since 2015.
Meanwhile, the team is currently participating in the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Qualifying Tournament 2026 in Lyon, France, running from March 11 to March 17.
So far, D’Tigress have recorded wins against Colombia (70–37) and the Philippines (101–84) but suffered losses to South Korea (77–60) and France (93–86).
They will conclude their qualifying campaign with a match against Germany on March 17.
Arsenal drew 1-1 at Atletico Madrid on Wednesday in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final as Julian Alvarez’s penalty cancelled out a spot-kick scored by Viktor Gyokeres.
Premier League leaders Arsenal struck first when Gyokeres won and converted a penalty just before half-time, but Alvarez levelled from the spot on 56 minutes after a handball by Ben White.
AFP
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) produced a dramatic display to defeat Bayern Munich 5-4 in a pulsating UEFA Champions League semi-final first-leg encounter on Tuesday night, in one of the most thrilling matches of the season.
The high-octane clash saw both sides exchange goals in a contest filled with momentum swings, VAR drama and moments of individual brilliance, leaving the tie finely poised ahead of the return leg.
Bayern struck first through Harry Kane, who calmly converted from the penalty spot in the 17th minute to give the German side an early lead.
However, PSG responded swiftly, with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia levelling matters with a composed finish before João Neves headed the hosts in front from a well-delivered corner.
The visitors fought back again, as Michael Olise unleashed a stunning strike from distance to restore parity, ensuring the first half ended in dramatic fashion.
PSG regained the advantage just before the break when Ousmane Dembélé converted from the penalty spot following a VAR review, sending the home side into the interval with a 3-2 lead.
The second half continued in the same frenetic fashion. PSG extended their lead through Kvaratskhelia and later Dembélé, who struck again to make it 5-2, appearing to put the game beyond Bayern’s reach.
But the Bundesliga giants mounted a spirited comeback. Defender Dayot Upamecano rose highest to head home from a set-piece, before late pressure saw Bayern reduce the deficit further, setting up a tense finish in the closing minutes.
Despite the late surge, PSG held on to secure a narrow 5-4 victory in a match that showcased attacking flair and defensive vulnerabilities from both sides.
The encounter was also marked by several contentious moments, including multiple VAR checks, penalty appeals and tactical substitutions, reflecting the intensity and stakes of a Champions League semi-final.
Real Madrid are reportedly assessing their managerial future as speculation grows over a possible return for José Mourinho, who is said to be open to a second spell at the club.
As reported by Fabrizio Romano on X on Tuesday, Mourinho has indicated to people close to him that he would welcome the opportunity to return to Madrid, viewing it as a chance for a “second chapter” at the Santiago Bernabéu.
“Real Madrid are now informed about José Mourinho’s desire to return. Mourinho has made it clear to people close to him that he would like to return and have a second chance at the club. Real Madrid will decide on the new manager soon,” Romano posted on X.
The Portuguese coach previously managed Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013, during which he won La Liga and the Copa del Rey while restoring the club’s competitiveness in European competition.
Real Madrid are understood to be reviewing their long-term coaching plans, with a decision on the club’s next managerial direction expected soon. While no official announcement has been made, internal discussions are believed to be ongoing.
Romano had reported that the Madrid president, Florentino Pérez, will be personally deciding on the Real Madrid manager, adding that he is going to take control of the process.
Mourinho’s name has re-emerged due to his continued presence among Europe’s most experienced managers.
The Spanish giants are expected to clarify their managerial situation in the near future as planning continues for the upcoming seasons.
For now, Mourinho remains one of the names linked with the role as speculation around the Bernabéu continues.
Watch moment FCT minister Wike being conferred with title of Abuja Hasken, Light of Abuja by FCT Traditional Council led by Ona of Abaji (Video)
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