Gov. Nwifuru Honors 2025 AfroBasket Women’s Champion with ₦30 Million and Duplex

Governor Francis Nwifutu and Blessing Ejiofor

By Nabob Ogbonna, Abakaliki

The Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has rewarded Nigerian basketball player Blessing Ejiofor, a key member of the D’Tigers team that won the 2025 Women’s AfroBasket Championship, with a cash prize of 30 million naira.

In addition, Ejiofor was presented with a duplex and inducted into the Ebonyi State Hall of Fame.

Team Nigeria emerged victorious in the 29th edition of the AfroBasket Women’s competition, organized by FIBA and held in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, from July 26 to August 3, 2025.

Blessing Ejiofor hails from Okposi community in Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

While receiving Ejiofor at the Government House in Abakaliki, Governor Nwifuru described her as a courageous woman and an outstanding ambassador of Ebonyi State.

He said that her participation in the continental championship was significant as it showcased Ebonyi among Nigerian states producing world-class sporting talent.

“I was a little sad during the last AFCON because Ebonyi was not represented, but I was delighted when I heard, while abroad, that an Ebonyi native played for Team Nigeria in the recent basketball championship in Abidjan,” he said.

The governor praised Ejiofor for her impressive performance and commended her for inspiring younger players to emulate her achievements in basketball.

He also pledged to construct a standard basketball court, allocating 50 million naira for the project, to serve as a training facility for aspiring young players.

“Not only did you represent the nation, but you also made your home state proud. We pray that God grants you the strength to perform even better in future competitions,” he stated.

In an interview with sports journalists, the Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, Hon. Richard Idike, announced that the new basketball court would be built at Pa Ngele Oruta Township Stadium in Abakaliki.