The Federal Government has applauded the D’Tigress of Nigeria for emerging African Champions for the fourth consecutive time at the 2023 AfroBasket championship in Kigali, Rwanda.

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Sports and Youth Development, Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar, stated this in a congratulatory message to the team on Sunday in Abuja.

Abubakar said Saturday’s victory by the Nigerian team was historic, especially as the team had waited for 12 solid years with no title before their 2017 triumph.

He said President Bola Tinubu and all Nigerians were indeed proud of the feat by the team.

“The D’Tigress ended the drought as they were crowned champions in 2017. The team then followed up with victories in 2019, 2021 and now 2023 in amazing fashion.

“The Rena Wakama-led team has indeed made us proud, let me emphatically inform you that President Bola Tinubu is proud of you and is congratulating you.

Nigerians are proud of you. You have indeed made us proud,” he said.

The permanent secretary said the D’Tigress became the second team ever, after Senegal to win four consecutive titles at the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Competition.

Abubakar, therefore, commended the technical crew and all officials with the team, assuring them of the plans the ministry was taking to ensure a rousing welcome for them.

He also reiterated the ministry’s commitment to the full implementation of all sporting policies and projects for the empowerment of Nigerian youths, in line with the policy thrust of the present administration.

Access24 reports that defending champions D’Tigress on Saturday, defeated their Senegalese counterparts 84 – 74 in the final of the championship to win their fourth straight title.