First Lady Oluremi Tinubu on Monday highlighted the achievement of D’Tigress player Sarah Ogoke-Ejiogu during a reception for the national women’s basketball team at the State House in Abuja.
Dr. Ogoke-Ejiogu, who helped the team win its fifth consecutive FIBA Women’s AfroBasket title, was singled out by the First Lady for reaching a milestone no other African basketball player, male or female has achieved – five straight AfroBasket titles.
“Before I take my leave, I wanted to share the story of Dr. Sarah Ogoke, one of your players, who is a full-time surgeon,” Mrs Tinubu said.
“She got certified last year and also had a baby. Congratulations.”
Ogoke-Ejiogu joined the national team in 2011 while still in college.
Born in New York to Nigerian parents, she had long expressed a desire to represent Nigeria.
Her father, who died in 2024, supported her basketball journey from the start.
In 2011, she became the only college player on a D’Tigress squad made up of professionals.
She has since helped the team win AfroBasket titles in 2017, 2019, 2021, 2023 and 2025.
Speaking after Nigeria’s quarterfinal win over Cameroon in Abidjan, Ogoke said in an interview,
“I’m thankful. I had a rough year last year. But this year, the sun is back out again. I’m enjoying the fruits of my labour. I’m thankful for my family, this organisation, Nigeria, and the call back up.”
In 2024, Ogoke gave birth and missed the Olympic Games. Despite those challenges, she returned to the national team and contributed to Nigeria’s title defence this year.
In addition to her career in sports, Ogoke holds a bachelor’s degree in biology/premedicine and a doctor of podiatric medicine degree. Between 2014 and 2022, she rotated between medical training and national team duties.
In 2019, she was inducted into the Kennesaw State University Hall of Fame for her performance in college basketball. She finished her collegiate career with over 1,000 points and remains one of the school’s all-time leaders in steals and three-pointers.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima, who was also present at the reception, announced a federal reward of $100,000 for each player and $50,000 for coaches and officials, in addition to national honours and a plot of land.
The First Lady closed her remarks by saying,
“You have given us another reason to believe in the power of Nigerian women to break barriers and set new records. I pray your journey continues to be filled with success.”
