Nigerian basketball star Blessing Ejiofor of the national women’s team, D’Tigress, paid a courtesy visit to the Minister of Works, Sen. (Engr.) David Umahi, and the Minister of State, Barr. Bello M. Goronyo at the Ministry’s Headquarters in Abuja.
She was presented to the leadership of the Ministry by the Chairman, National Sports Commission, Mal. Shehu Dikko.
During the visit, Ejiofor presented Engr. Umahi with a customized basketball jersey, praised his exemplary leadership and commitment to national service.
According to a statement by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Mohammed Abdullahi Ahmed on Saturday, Ejiofor noted that her gesture symbolised the shared values of teamwork, discipline, and dedication that drive both sports and governance.
In response, Engr. Umahi congratulated the athlete on her outstanding achievements, applauding her dedication to the sport and her impressive representation of Nigeria on the international stage.
He further expressed pride in her role as an ambassador of Ebonyi State and Nigeria, commending her for elevating the nation’s image through her sportsmanship.
The Minister of State, Barr. Goronyo also expressed admiration for her discipline and resilience, describing her as a shining example of how sports can contribute to national development.
Born on September 2, 1998, in Ebonyi State, Blessing Ejiofor is a centre player for Nigeria’s D’Tigress with an impressive track record in international basketball.
She honed her skills at Vanderbilt University, Chipola College, and West Virginia University, where she earned Academic All-Big 12 First Team honors. Her professional career includes stints with clubs in Spain and France, and she represented Nigeria at the 2024 Women’s Olympic Basketball Tournament in Paris.
A key figure in D’Tigress’ fifth consecutive FIBA Women’s AfroBasket title in 2025, Ejiofor has helped cement Nigeria’s dominance in African women’s basketball. Off the court, she empowers youth through her nonprofit, The Muna Foundation.