NBBF Pay Glowing Tribute To Retired D’Tigress Captain Sarah Ogoke

The captain of Nigeria senior women’s national basketball team, D’Tigress, Sarah Ogoke, earlier this week in faraway Lyon, France, during the just concluded FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifiers, announced her retirement from the national team she had led meritoriously to win the FIBA Women’s Afrobasket for a record fifth consecutive time.

The announcement brought teammates, officials and management of the team to tears, just as it has equally been drawing encomiums and praises for the Nigeria and African basketball icon from sport authorities, fans and enthusiasts of the game. 

Expectedly, the loudest ovations have come from her immediate constituency,the Nigeria Basketball Federation(NBBF).

South East representative and member of the NBBF Board, Ugo Udezue, remarked, “it was a honour and privilege to witness the journey of Sarah Ogoke, not just as a player, but as a leader and proud daughter of the South East”.

“The tears in the room were real. You could feel it this wasn’t just the end of a career, it was the closing of a chapter that defined an era. Even the President was emotional. That tells you everything about the weight of her impact.

“As the South East representative on the NBBF Board, this moment is deeply personal for me.

“In every camp, every tournament, every difficult moment, she showed up with professionalism, toughness, and pride. She didn’t just wear the jersey, she carried it. She understood what it meant to represent Nigeria, and she honoured it every single time.

“What stands out most to me is her leadership. Not loud, not forced, but real. The kind that earns respect in the locker room. The kind that holds teams together. The kind that builds champions.

“She has been a cornerstone of the greatest era in D’Tigress history, and her influence will be felt long after her final game. I want to personally thank her, not just as a board member, but as someone who understands what she represents,” he added. 

Another NBBF board member who was equally full of praises for Ogoke, was Abba Kaka, the North East representative on the NBBF Board. The softly spoken sports administrator described the just retired captain of D’Tigress, as a true Nigerian legend. 

“Sarah Ogoke was phenomenal, reliable and she’s performed wonderfully for the national team. And after 15 years of services to the country, she deserves to be celebrated, because she’s truly, a role model to the coming generations of athletes, for all the good reasons,” he said. 

In the words of the Vice-President of NBBF, Babs Ogunade, Sarah Ogoke, is truly an inspiration for  athletes across all sports disciplines.

“She’s discipline, resilience, determination, humility and leadership rolled into one.

“She stands out as only player that’s won the 5 Afrobasket Gold medals from 2017-2025.
You can’t want better service from a player.

“She knows, she’ll always have a family in Nigerian basketball. And as she ventures into her new life, I wish her very well in her future endeavours,” he prayed. 

President of Nigeria Basketball Federation, Engr (Dr) Ahmadu Musa Kida, was truly lavish in praises for the former captain of D’Tigress, as he waxed lyrical about her, even in emotion laden tone.

“You were indeed, an enigma and a warrior, Sarah Ogoke. A true patriot and a soldier who served her fatherland gallantly and gloriously in the beautiful game of basketball. You shattered the glass ceiling and broke all records that need to be broken in your journey to stardom and fame.

“You were very humble in greatness, delightful to watch on the court and a very pleasant person to associate with.

As the President of the NBBF, I am indeed, truly fortunate to have had the services of such wonderful talent, that made a huge difference in the successes achieved by our proud, inspiring and distinguished D’Tigress, the records breakers.

“The back -to- back, to-back- to-back, and to- back African Championships successes recorded by the D’Tigress, would not have been possible without the untiring efforts, encouragement and your leadership quality both as a player and a deserving captain of the team. You were the solid rock of the foundation and strength of the D’Tigress

“We at the NBBF, are indeed, very grateful and proud of your dedication and commitment to the service of the D’Tigress and Nigeria. You have left an indelible legacy and mark on the history of Nigeria and indeed African Basketball. And 

“You exited the stage, when the ovation was loudest and with an unbroken record of a team that has remained unbeaten on the African continent for over 7 years now and with unquenchable thirst for your continued service.

“As a President and the leader of the Federation, I say a very big thank you for your unblemished service to basketball and Nigeria. You will always be fondly and hugely appreciated and remembered. 

“We will miss you a great deal, even as we believe that we can always call on you for your services and contribution to the growth and development of the lovely game of basketball in some useful capacity, going forward. 

“We will continue to wish you the very best in your future endeavours, even as we look forward to collaborating with you on a lot of fronts, for the good of the game and in so many useful ways. 

“You were a born star, grew into a global icon and retired as a record breaker, with distinction. Congratulations to you, our dear Sarah Ogoke, for all that you have done to elevate the country to the global basketball map, during your momentous journey in the dunk game of basketball.

“I doff my hat for you,” Kida, concluded emotionally.