Zenith Bank Gifts Victorious D’Tigress N200m As CEO Adaora Umeoji Reaffirms Long-Term Support
In a powerful show of appreciation and commitment to sports development, Nigeria’s leading financial institution, Zenith Bank, has rewarded the national women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, with N200 million following their historic victory at the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket.
The team’s triumph marks an unprecedented fifth consecutive and seventh overall AfroBasket title—cementing D’Tigress’ legacy as the most dominant force in African women’s basketball.
To honour the achievement, Zenith Bank—longtime sponsor of the Women’s National Basketball League—hosted the champions on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at its Maitama, Abuja head office. The reception was filled with jubilation, as bank executives, sports officials, and well-wishers celebrated the record-breaking team.
The bank, recently named Nigeria’s Best Bank at the Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2025, has supported the women’s league for 18 years, playing a critical role in the growth of women’s basketball across the country.
Speaking at the event, Zenith Bank CEO and Group Managing Director, Dame Adaora Umeoji, applauded D’Tigress for their exceptional performance and reaffirmed the bank’s unwavering support.
“Your victory at the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket is not just a win for Nigeria—it is a win for African sports,” she said. “At Zenith Bank, we celebrate this milestone not just as sponsors, but as dedicated partners in the long journey of building women’s basketball in Nigeria.”
L-R: Executive Director, Mr. Henry Oroh; Executive Director; Mr. Louis Odom; D’Tigress Captain, Amy Okonkwo; President, NBBF, Engr. Musa Kida; Group Managing Director/ Chief Executive, Zenith Bank Plc., Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji, OON; Head Coach, D’Tigress, Rena Wakama; Executive Director, Mrs. Adobi Nwapa and Executive Director, Mr. Akin Ogunranti during the reception hosted by Zenith Bank to celebrate D’Tigress’ 2025 Afrobasket Women’s Championship triumph in Abuja, yesterday
Emphasizing the bank’s role as a consistent backer of sports excellence, Dame Adaora added, “I hereby reaffirm Zenith Bank’s steadfast commitment to advancing women’s basketball and promoting sports development across Nigeria.”
Zenith Bani is Nigeria’s number one bank by Tier-1 capital for sixteen consecutive years, and the Best Commercial Bank since 2021 (World Finance Banking Ranking).
Sources revealed that each player will receive N10 million, while the technical crew and support staff will share the balance of the N200 million reward package.
Team captain and tournament MVP, Amy Okonkwo, speaking on behalf of the players, expressed deep gratitude for the gesture.
Also present at the celebratory reception were Zenith Bank Executive Directors Adobi Nwapa, Akin Ogunranti, Henry Oroh, and Louis Odom, all of whom praised the team for bringing pride to the nation.
Key stakeholders in Nigerian sports were also in attendance, including the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, the President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), Musa Kida, and several board members.
D’Tigress secured their title with a commanding 78–64 win over Mali in the final held in Abidjan, wrapping up a flawless run through the tournament and further solidifying their place in African basketball history.
