Nigerian Women in Power: Governor Aishatu Dahiru and the Rise of Female Political Giants | Chinaza James-Ibe

One of the many ways Nigerian women have been showing up and rewriting history is through sports. Despite cultural barriers, poor funding, media attention, facilities, and working conditions, female sports in Nigeria continue to thrive.

In the year 2023, 65 percent of Nigeria's Ministry of Youth and Sports’ budget was allocated to the majority of sports dominated by men. From field to track events—basketball, football, badminton, volleyball, weightlifting, para-sports, etc.—Nigerian women have shown great resilience and determination. This article focuses on D’Tigress, Nigeria’s National Women's Basketball team.

Created in the year 1964 under the administration of the Nigeria Basketball Federation and affiliated with the International Basketball Federation, Africa, D’Tigress has represented Nigeria in many tournaments. From the World Women’s Cup, Commonwealth Games, AfroBasket Women, Summer Olympic Games, and FIBA World Champion for Women, they have shown their doggedness and professionalism. D’Tigress has had an impressive run in the history of basketball and representing Nigeria on the continent and internationally.

The team is made up of 20 players namely Amy Okonkwo, Promise Amukamara, Ezinne Kalu, Ifunaya Okoro, Elizabeth Balogun, Grace Efosa, Solape Amusan, Abiodun Damilola, Yusuf Adenike, Olawuyi Olayemi, Nicole Enabosi, Pallas Kunayi, Murjanatu Musa, Gift Uchenna, Victoria Macaulay, Christabel Ezumah, Izoje Uche, Lauren Ebo, Ugonne Onyiah Vera Ojenuwa, and Blessing Ejiofor.

The team usually has a 12-player roster for major tournaments, with Amy Okonkwo as captain. Headed by Coach Rena Wakama, they became the first African team to reach the quarter finals in the Olympic Basketball. A five-time consecutive Afrobasket winner with the most Afrobasket titles (7-time win), they are the first African team to win 2 Olympic matches in 2024 (against Australia and Canada) and also the first African team to reach the World Cup quarterfinals. D’Tigress continues to be a beacon of hope for female sports in Nigeria.

References:

dtigress.sites.ng

bbc.com

africabasket.net