Glory doesn’t always arrive with fireworks. Sometimes, it shows up in grit, quiet consistency, and unapologetic excellence. And that’s precisely how Nigeria’s women have kept winning for years.
But this year, there was no missing them.
With back-to-back triumphs on the continental stage, D’Tigress and the Super Falcons took centre stage—from the roar of the crowd in Abidjan to the final whistle in Rabat.
They raised trophies, elevated the national mood, reminded us of our potential, and reignited conversations we’ve too often ignored.
A Legacy Written in Wins
In July 2025, the Super Falcons clinched their record-breaking 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title in Morocco after defeating hosts Morocco in the final. It was another glittering milestone in a legacy that has spanned decades.
The Super Falcons aren’t just one of Nigeria’s most successful teams—they are Africa’s most successful international women’s football team. With ten WAFCON titles to their name, they have long been the team to beat on the continent. But their excellence isn’t limited to Africa. The Falcons are the only women’s national team from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to reach the quarterfinals in both the FIFA Women’s World Cup and the Summer Olympics. Their consistency on the global stage is unmatched and, frankly, underappreciated.
Following closely, attention turned to the basketball court. D’Tigress walked into the Palais des Sports de Treichville in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, with the pressure of expectation heavy on their shoulders, and they rose to the moment.
Their victory over Mali marked their fifth consecutive FIBA Women’s AfroBasket title, led by coach Rena Wakama, whose calm precision on the sidelines was mirrored by her players on the court. The win also extended D’Tigress’ stunning unbeaten run in the tournament, a streak that now spans an entire decade.
This wasn’t a team discovering its brilliance—it was one defending its crown.
Since 2017, D’Tigress have won the AfroBasket Championship in Bamako (2017), Dakar (2019), Yaoundé (2021), Kigali (2023), and now Abidjan (2025). With six titles in total, they’ve become the benchmark for African women’s basketball. And with their recent qualification for the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup Pre-Qualifying Tournament, the story is only getting better.
These weren’t just sporting events but national moments. Nigerians on social media threw their full support behind the teams. Memes, chants, hashtags, and emotional tributes flooded timelines. For once, it felt like we all agreed on something. These women were the heroes we needed.
A Salute, At Last
The official response came swiftly and generously. President Bola Tinubu hosted both teams at separate receptions and awarded every player and technical team member the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON). The Super Falcons were gifted three-bedroom apartments and a $100,000 cash reward (in naira equivalent) per player, while the coaching staff received $50,000 each. D’Tigress received identical honours and awards, and were praised by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented the President.
“You have inspired millions, especially young girls who now see proof that their dreams are valid and achievable,” President Tinubu said. “You have inspired me, too. And it’s a great for a nation to have assets that are the hope of today, tomorrow, and the day they offer. You represent that hope.”
Winning in Spite of the System
That hope, however, hasn’t come cheap.
Behind the medals is a long and uncomfortable reality: Nigeria’s female athletes have always had to work twice as hard for half as much. From poor training facilities and late payments to lack of media visibility and public engagement, their victories often feel like miracles carved out of struggle.
In 2019, Super Falcons goalkeeper Toochukwu Oluehi shared her frustration in an interview with VOA News:
“We’re the people bringing glory to the land. So, they should look into the females and try and concentrate more on the females and leave the boys. The boys are earning more than the girls.”
Her words still ring true today. While the men’s national team, the Super Eagles, enjoys abundant corporate sponsorships, packed stadiums, and a loyal media following, the Super Falcons often play to sparse crowds and underwhelming coverage. It’s not just a funding gap. It’s a visibility gap. A value gap. A belief gap.
Girls in Nigeria are still rarely encouraged to pursue sports as a viable path. Many are told it’s unladylike, unsustainable, or not “serious enough.” Yet here are our national heroes, not only proving those ideas wrong, but building legacy in spite of them.
Add to this the global disparity in media coverage. Only 4% of sports media attention goes to women’s sports worldwide. In Nigeria, that percentage is likely lower. Matches aren’t broadcast. Highlights are hard to find. There are no documentaries. No legacy footage. No weekly shows breaking down women’s games.
And yet, they win.
Carving Out Legacy Anyway
What makes this moment stand out is the context in which these women continue to succeed.
Coach Rena Wakama became the first female coach to lead D’Tigress to an AfroBasket title. Her leadership has not only brought results but redefined what female coaching can look like on the continent.
“We have a long way to go as a country, but the future looks bright for Nigeria,” Wakama said post-victory.
Then there are the veterans and pioneers who laid the groundwork: Florence Omagbemi, who captained the Super Falcons as a player and later returned to coach them. Asisat Oshoala, arguably Africa’s most visible female footballer, who continues to inspire young girls across the continent. Chiamaka Nnadozie, the fearless goalkeeper who’s captured international headlines. Amy Okonkwo and Ify Ibekwe, core D’Tigress players with the skill and discipline to match any global competitor.
These women have not just excelled in their fields. They have shaped culture, challenged norms, and become the blueprint for what Nigerian sport can look like when talent is nurtured, not overlooked.
More Than A Moment
So where do we go from here?
The applause was loud. The honours were welcome. But the true test will be what happens after the spotlight fades. Will these victories usher in a structural shift, or will they become another short-lived celebration filed away until the next big win?
It’s time for the sports ministry, private sector, and media to make strategic decisions that prioritise women’s sports at every level.
That means:
- Investing in grassroots development
- Establishing broadcast deals for female leagues
- Creating equal pay frameworks for national team players
- Signing endorsement deals that centre women
- Developing leadership pipelines for female coaches and officials
Nigeria has the talent. What’s missing is the infrastructure and belief system to match.
The Real Champions of the Game
The past few weeks reminded us of what’s possible when women lead the way on the pitch, on the court, and in the headlines. But they also reminded us of how much further we have to go.
This isn’t just about celebrating a winning season. It’s about resetting the way we see, support, and sustain women in sport.
These athletes are not anomalies. They’re not lucky. They are products of extraordinary talent, relentless discipline, and undiluted patriotism.
And they are carrying us—still.
So let’s not wait for the next trophy to clap. Let’s fund the programs, amplify the stories, show up for the games, and make sure that every girl in Nigeria knows she doesn’t need permission to be great. Because if the Super Falcons and D’Tigress have taught us anything, it’s that glory follows those who show up, even when no one’s watching. And finally, the world is watching.
