Abi Olajuwon, daughter of NBA legend Hakeem Olajuwon and assistant coach for Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, has exposed a shocking act of betrayal by Nigerian sports authorities following the team’s historic run at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

In a scathing Instagram post, Ms Olajuwon said that the team, which became the first African basketball team to reach the quarterfinals of the Olympics, has been denied fair compensation for their groundbreaking achievement. Despite the immense effort and sacrifice put in by the players and coaches, the Nigerian Ministry of Sports has failed to honour its promises.

“To now lie and not pay your coaches for their work and want to keep my money for the three games before the Olympics because I work in the WNBA is sad,” Olajuwon wrote. She also expressed disappointment with the treatment of the assistant coaches, who were instrumental in the team’s success.

The revelation has sparked outrage among fans and sports pundits alike, who are demanding accountability from the Nigerian government. The team’s historic achievement, which brought immense pride to the nation, has been overshadowed by the subsequent neglect and mistreatment.

As the controversy continues to unfold, questions hover on the future of Nigerian women’s basketball. The team’s experience serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by athletes in Nigeria.