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Zenith Bank, Nigeria’s most profitable lender led by Adaora Umeoji, has fulfilled its pledge of over $130,000 to the National Women’s Basketball Team, D’Tigress, in recognition of their victory at the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket tournament in Ivory Coast.
The Lagos-based bank handed over N200 million ($130,600) to the reigning African champions, keeping a promise it made after the team’s triumph. The gesture reflects a longstanding relationship: Zenith has been the title sponsor of Nigeria’s women’s basketball league for nearly two decades, playing a consistent role in supporting the sport.
Zenith Bank delivers on team promise
D’Tigress, who were welcomed home by the bank shortly after returning from Abidjan, had been promised the reward following their successful defense of the AfroBasket title.
On their official X account, the team expressed appreciation: “Promise made, promise kept. Zenith Bank has redeemed their pledge to the D’Tigress. We extend our sincere gratitude to the management and especially the GMD, Adaora Umeoji, a true pillar for women in sports. Thank you for standing with our Queens.”
The victory itself was emphatic. D’Tigress beat Cameroon in the quarter-finals, overcame Senegal in the semi-finals, and defeated Mali 78–64 in the final. It was their fifth consecutive AfroBasket championship and seventh overall, adding to earlier wins in 2003, 2005, 2017, 2019, 2021, 2023, and now 2025.
Adaora Umeoji leads with bold moves
Zenith Bank, founded in 1990 by Nigerian businessman Jim Ovia, who still holds a 16.2 percent stake, has built a reputation as one of the country’s most influential financial institutions.
Beyond being Nigeria’s most profitable lender, it is also the second most valuable financial services group in the country. In 2024, the bank expanded its footprint by opening a branch in Paris, aimed at serving Francophone Africa and European markets.
Since taking over as CEO in June 2024, Adaora Umeoji has overseen impressive growth. Zenith reported a 20.7 percent rise in first-quarter profit for 2025, climbing from N258.34 billion ($161 million) in 2024 to N311.83 billion ($194.4 million).
In June, she reinforced her commitment to the institution by acquiring 68.8 million additional shares, worth about $2.13 million, bringing her total direct and indirect stake to 160.46 million shares, including those held through her investment vehicle, Palais Vendome Limited.
