Afrobasket: Nigeria to Build on D’Tigress’ Success through Grassroots Development, Says NSC Chairman
The Federal Government is intensifying efforts to consolidate on the recent success of Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, by focusing on the expansion and development of grassroots sports across the country.
Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, made this known while speaking on The Morning Brief aired on Channels Television on Tuesday.
According to him, D’Tigress’ remarkable performance at the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Championship is a clear demonstration of the potential Nigeria holds in sports, particularly when there is deliberate investment in talent and support systems.
“What Nigeria is doing to build on D’Tigress’ success is the growth of grassroots sports,” Dikko stated, emphasizing that the team’s victory presents a unique opportunity to inspire and nurture young talents from the local level.
He noted that beyond celebrating international victories, the government aims to institutionalize programs that will encourage wider participation in sports at the community, school, and state levels.
Dikko added that the NSC will work closely with relevant stakeholders to enhance sports infrastructure, strengthen training academies, and support young athletes in their journey toward excellence.
Nigeria’s D’Tigress recently clinched their fifth consecutive AfroBasket title in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, a historic feat that has drawn national acclaim and renewed calls for deeper investment in women’s sports.
