Mixed Reactions to Tinubu’s $100,000 Gift to D’Tigress for Afrobasket Win

By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu

Nigerians have taken to social media to share their thoughts after President Bola Tinubu announced a reward of $100,000 for each player of the D’Tigress following their victory at the 2025 Women’s Afrobasket in Côte d’Ivoire.

On Sunday, the Nigerian women’s basketball team defeated Mali 78-64 in the final at the Palais des Sports de Treichville in Abidjan, securing their fifth consecutive Afrobasket title, a historic achievement.

At an event held on Monday at the Presidential Villa, Vice President Kashim Shettima, standing in for President Tinubu, revealed the rewards for the team. Each player would receive $100,000, while members of the coaching and technical staff would be awarded $50,000 each. Additionally, the team would be given apartments in the Federal Capital Territory and a national honor in recognition of their achievement.

Despite the celebrations, the announcement sparked mixed reactions online. Some Nigerians raised concerns about the financial source of the reward.

Prisca Thomas posted on Facebook, “So this kind of money dey this country? Chim oo.”
Etimbuk Benson sarcastically commented, “He will go and borrow money and come and share it in dollars… good economic policy… una do well o.”
Odugala Joseph wrote, “It has been confirmed that we share borrowed money. Asiwaju, money na water.”
Tunde Royalte simply said, “National cake must go round.”

While the reward was well received by many, these responses highlight ongoing skepticism about the country’s financial state and how public funds are being allocated.