As Nigeria’s Women’s National Basketball team, D’Tigress, jets out to Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, to defend their title at the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket, the National Sports Commission (NSC) has announced improved welfare packages, including increase bonuses and allowances, to boost the team’s morale and performance.

During a courtesy visit by the team to the NSC Leadership in Abuja on Tuesday, Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director General Hon. Bukola Olopade, reaffirmed the nation’s unwavering support and confidence in the squad.

In the evening of Tuesday, Mallam Dikko and Hon. Olopade also visited the training camp of the team to encourage the players and officials as they fine tune preparations for the continental showpiece.

Dikko emphasized the Commission’s commitment to prioritizing athlete welfare and excellence.

“We understand that behind every victory is a motivated team, and that begins with how we treat our athletes. That’s why we are stepping up our support with improved incentives to match the level of dedication and sacrifice this team has shown over the years. Welfare remains a top priority for us at the Commission and we will do every possible to support our athletes.”

On his part, NSC Director General Hon. Bukola Olopade praised the resilience and consistency of the D’Tigress team, charging them to make history once again.

“You are the pride of our nation. Your winning spirit, unity, and strength inspire millions of Nigerians. As you head to Abidjan, go with the belief that you carry the hopes of an entire nation behind you. We trust you to return with the trophy once again.”

Head Coach Rena Wakama has unveiled the final roster of 12 players for the tournament, headlined by experienced names such as captain Amy Okonkwo, Promise Amukamara, Sarah Ogoke, and Ezinne Kalu. 

Also making the roster of the nation’s finest 12 are Murjanatu Musa, Victoria Macaulay, Elizabeth Balogun, Blessing Ejiofor, Ifunaya Okoro, Vera Ojenuwa, Nicole Enabosi, and Palla Kunayi.

D’Tigress are eyeing a historic fifth consecutive AfroBasket title, having dominated the last four editions. The team’s remarkable four-peat run includes three finals victories over fierce rivals, Senegal.

The 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket takes place from July 26th – August 3rd in Abidjan, as D’Tigres will take on Mozambique and Rwanda in Group D.

Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has been banned from all football-related activities after being found guilty of involvement in illegal betting activities.

Maduka Okoye, who currently plays his club football in Italy, has been under investigation for several months following reports of irregular betting patterns linked to games in which he featured.

The outcome of the investigation has resulted in a ban that could last up to two years, pending appeals and further review.

Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye’s two-month ban for illegal betting has shocked fans and officials.

The investigation stemmed from suspicious betting activity surrounding a yellow card he received for time-wasting during Udinese’s 2-1 victory over Lazio on March 11, 2024.

Authorities flagged unusual bets, primarily from the Udine province, placed on Okoye receiving a yellow card at odds of 8/1, allegedly generating over €120,000 in winnings.

Okoye, along with three friends, was investigated and referred to the disciplinary commission in June 2025.

 While a sporting fraud conviction could have resulted in a four-year ban, he was instead convicted on the lesser charge of illegal betting

The ban will commence with the Coppa Italia match against Carrarese on August 18, 2025, causing him to miss six Serie A games before becoming available again on October 19.

The 25-year-old Nigerian international, with 18 caps, joined Udinese from Watford in 2023.

The Super Falcons put up another brilliant outing on Tuesday in the semi final of the Morocco 2025 Women’s Nations Cup.

The hardworking Nigerian girls secured a 2-1 victory over South Africa to land in the final of the tournament thus keeping their Mission X hopes alive.

The Super Falcons went into the lead in the first half courtesy of a Rashidat Ajibade strike from the spot.

South Africa managed to crawl back in the second half when they were awarded a soft penalty by the Ugandan referee.

Michelle Alozie in the dying minutes of the game sealed victory for Nigeria with a long volley that sailed into the net.

Super Falcons captain, Rasheedat Ajibade has bagged her third Player of the Match award after overcoming South Africa in the semi-finals of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, WAFCON, 2024

Ajibade opened the scoring from the spot before Michelle Alozie scored the winner for Nigeria to advance to the final in a 2-1 win. 

Recall that she was named Player of the Match against Botswana and Zambia as no player has won more Player of the Match awards at the ongoing WAFCON than her.

Victory meant the Super Falcons’ first win over the Banyana in the Africa Cup of Nations in the three tournaments, with the South Africans having won group stages matches in 2018 and 2022 with 1-0 and 2-1 score-lines respectively.

Nigeria’s head coach, Justine Madugu, has praised the unity and mental resilience of his players after the Super Falcons edged past South Africa 2–1 in a tense Women’s Africa Cup of Nations semi-final on Tuesday in Casablanca

Reflecting on the emotionally charged encounter, Madugu revealed that the turning point came when the players managed to overcome their momentary loss of confidence following South Africa’s equaliser.

Madugu, who is leading Nigeria to the final for the first time as head coach after previously serving as assistant, said it was not an easy game to manage from the touchline and admitted he was frustrated by how the game momentarily slipped from their grasp.

“At some point, we lost control and became careless, that was frustrating, but as a coach, you must stay composed and focus on encouraging your players, not adding to their pressure. We gathered them, reminded them of what was at stake, and they responded well.”

He added that the emotional scenes at the final whistle, when Rasheedat Ajibade broke down in tears and could not speak to the media, were a reflection of the match’s intensity and the impact of Gabriella Salgado’s injury late in the game.

“The game was intense, and when you work hard to achieve something and succeed, emotions overflow. Gabriella’s injury was painful. Everyone was concerned, even the opposing bench. We pray for her full recovery,” Madugu said.

The Falcons will be chasing a historic 10th WAFCON title when they step out in Rabat, buoyed by a semi-final performance that tested their mental toughness and unity under pressure.