XE Jet Signs Strategic Aviation Partnership with NBBF to Support D’Tigress
A leading Nigerian aviation services provider, XE Jet, has entered into a strategic partnership with the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) to serve as the Official Aviation Partner of Nigeria’s Senior Women’s National Basketball Team, D’Tigress.
The partnership, announced in Abuja, represents a significant collaboration between the aviation and sports sectors and is expected to provide critical travel and logistics support to the national women’s basketball team as they continue to compete at the highest level of international basketball.
Under the agreement, XE Jet will provide specialised aviation and travel logistics services to ensure the team travels in optimal conditions, enabling players and officials to focus fully on their preparations and performance during international competitions.
The announcement comes as D’Tigress prepare for the upcoming FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Qualifiers scheduled to hold in Lyon, France from March 11 to 17, 2026. The tournament will feature some of the world’s best national teams competing for qualification to the prestigious FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup.
Nigeria’s women’s team will be seeking to continue its impressive run on the international stage, having built a reputation as one of Africa’s most formidable basketball sides.
President of the NBBF, Musa Kida, described the partnership as a welcome development that strengthens the operational and commercial framework supporting Nigerian basketball.
He noted that the collaboration reflects the increasing confidence of private sector organisations in the potential and global visibility of Nigerian basketball.
“D’Tigress have continued to make the nation proud through their dedication, discipline and exceptional performance in international competitions,” Kida said. “This partnership with XE Jet reinforces our commitment to providing the team with the logistical and operational support necessary to compete successfully on the global stage.”
Chairman of XE Jet, Emmanuel Iza, said the company was delighted to align with a team that has become a powerful symbol of national excellence and women’s empowerment.
According to him, the company sees the partnership as an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of women’s sport in Nigeria while supporting athletes who continue to inspire millions across the country.
“XE Jet is proud to partner with D’Tigress as they continue to represent Nigeria with distinction internationally,” Iza stated. “Sport has the unique power to unite people, promote national pride and create opportunities for women and young people across society.”
D’Tigress’ Continental Dominance
Over the last decade, D’Tigress have established themselves as the most successful women’s basketball programme in Africa, winning multiple titles in the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket and consistently competing against top teams worldwide.
Their achievements have helped elevate Nigeria’s standing in international basketball while inspiring a new generation of female athletes across the continent.
As part of activities marking the new partnership, XE Jet plans to host a Women in Sports Leadership Reception in Lyon during the World Cup qualifiers.
The event will convene key stakeholders from the worlds of sport, diplomacy and business to celebrate Nigerian excellence and explore opportunities to strengthen women’s participation and leadership in global sports.
The NBBF emphasised that it remains committed to attracting strategic partnerships that will strengthen the sport’s development structure, support elite athletes and position Nigeria as a leading force in global basketball.
