Sports
D’Tigress Hit Jackpot as Zenith Bank Rewards African Queens with N200m
D’Tigress Hit Jackpot as Zenith Bank Rewards African Queens with N200m
Zenith Bank Plc has hosted Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, at a colourful reception in Abuja, rewarding the African champions with N200 million for clinching a record fifth consecutive FIBA Women’s Afrobasket title.
The reception, held at the bank’s headquarters, came a day after the team’s triumphant return from Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, where they defeated Mali 78–64 in Sunday’s final to extend their dominance on the continent.
On arrival in Abuja, the players were also received by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who conferred National Honours of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) on the team and announced cash rewards.
Zenith Bank, sole sponsors of the Women’s National Basketball League for the past 18 years, took pride in the fact that some D’Tigress stars honed their skills in the league.
They include 2022 MVP Murjanatu Musa of Air Warriors, Ifunanya Okoro, and current head coach Rena Wakama, who once starred for First Bank Women’s Basketball Club.
The reception was attended by Zenith Bank’s top executives, including Executive Directors Adobi Nwapa, Akin Ogunranti, Henry Oroh and Louis Odom.
Also present were Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko; President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), Musa Kida; and members of his board.
Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Zenith Bank, Dr Adaora Umeoji (OON), commended the players for bringing glory to Nigeria and reaffirmed the bank’s unwavering support for women’s basketball.
“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 your triumph not just as supporters, but as longstanding partners in the development of women’s basketball in Nigeria. We will continue to stand by you as you aim for global excellence.”
Speaking on behalf of the players, team captain and tournament MVP Amy Okonkwo expressed gratitude to the bank for its consistent investment in women’s basketball.
“You have done so much for the growth of the game in Nigeria, and we are truly grateful,” she said.
With the latest Afrobasket crown, D’Tigress have cemented their status as Africa’s most dominant women’s basketball team, raising hopes of a strong showing on the world stage.
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Sports
Justin Rose Sets 36-Hole Record, Opens Four-Shot Lead at Torrey Pines
Justin Rose maintained his imperious form at the Farmers Insurance Open on Friday, producing a brilliant seven-under-par 65 on the demanding South Course at Torrey Pines to open up a four-shot lead at the halfway stage of the tournament. The Englishman, who had set the early pace with a stunning 62 on the easier North Course on Thursday, followed it up with another composed display, recording six birdies and an eagle against a lone bogey.
His two-round total of 17-under-par 127 established a new 36-hole scoring record in the history of the event. Rose’s second-round effort was particularly eye-catching given the difficulty of the South Course, a venue where he previously claimed the Farmers Insurance Open title in 2019 and where he famously finished runner-up at the 2013 U.S. Open. Reflecting on his performance, the 45-year-old said he was pleased with his decision-making and ability to recover from difficult situations, noting that his putter proved decisive whenever he found himself under pressure.
Ireland’s Seamus Power sits in second place on 13-under-par after a solid round of 66, which he capped with an eagle on the ninth hole. Power expressed confidence heading into the weekend, pointing to improvements in his long game after leaning heavily on his putting in the opening round. Americans Joel Dahmen and Max McGreevy are tied for third at 11-under-par. Dahmen surged with a 63 that included three eagles, while McGreevy carded a steady 67 to remain in contention.
Former world number one Brooks Koepka also enjoyed a positive day, securing his place in the weekend in his first PGA Tour appearance outside the majors since 2022. The five-time major champion shot a 68 to make the cut on the mark at three-under-par, marking a significant step in his return to regular Tour competition following a 14-week layoff. In contrast, world number three Xander Schauffele suffered a rare setback as his streak of 72 consecutive made cuts — the fifth-longest in PGA Tour history — came to an end. Despite posting a second-round 69, Schauffele finished one stroke outside the cut line.
Rose will head into Saturday’s third round with a commanding advantage as he chases his 13th PGA Tour victory and a second Farmers Insurance Open crown, firmly positioning himself as the man to beat at Torrey Pines.
Sports
Ex-Sri Lanka Star Jayasuriya Named in USA Squad for T20 World Cup
Former Sri Lanka all-rounder Shehan Jayasuriya has been handed a surprise international return after being named in the United States squad for next month’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Jayasuriya, 34, who previously represented Sri Lanka in 12 One-Day Internationals and 18 T20 Internationals, including appearances at the 2016 T20 World Cup, retired from international cricket in 2021 before relocating to the United States with his family.
Since moving, he has remained active in the game, featuring in Major League Cricket and other franchise competitions, and has now qualified to play for the USA under International Cricket Council eligibility regulations. His inclusion headlines a 15-man American squad that blends experience with emerging talent as the team prepares for the global tournament. The squad also features possible debutants, including Pakistan-born leg-spinner Mohammad Mohsin and all-rounder Shubham Ranjane, who is the grandson of former India international Vasant Ranjane.
The United States side will be captained by Monank Patel and includes established players such as fast bowler Ali Khan and left-arm seamer Saurabh Netravalkar, alongside a number of domestic prospects who have impressed in recent competitions.
The USA will face a tough test at the start of their campaign, having been drawn in Group A alongside defending champions India. The Americans open their tournament against India on February 7, a high-profile fixture in a competition co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. The United States enjoyed a historic outing at the last edition of the tournament in 2024, where they advanced to the Super Eight stage as hosts, and will be aiming to build on that momentum on the world stage.
USA Squad: Monank Patel (captain), Jasdeep Singh, Andries Gous, Shehan Jayasuriya, Milind Kumar, Shayan Jahangir, Saiteja Mukkamala, Sanjay Krishnamurthi, Harmeet Singh, Nosthush Kenjige, Shadley van Schalkwyk, Saurabh Netravalkar, Ali Khan, Mohammad Mohsin, Shubham Ranjane.
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