D’Tigress star Victoria Macauley, representing Nigeria was never just about basketball. It was also a journey her father, Lanre Macauley, followed with pride and unwavering affection.
That bond has come into focus following the death of Mr. Macaulay in the United States after an illness, with FIBA Africa Zone 3 President and Executive Committee Member, Colonel Sam Ahmedu (Rtd), joining the basketball family in mourning the loss.
In a message to Victoria and the Macaulelay family, Ahmedu described the late Lanre as a devoted father whose passion for Nigeria extended to following his daughter’s exploits whenever she wore the national colours.
Ahmedu recalled how Mr. Macaulay would travel to watch Victoria represent Nigeria, turning her international career into a shared family experience.
“He was very passionate about Nigeria and loved to travel and watch you represent this country across the globe,” Ahmedu said, while urging Victoria to hold firmly to the memories they created together.
The basketball administrator also highlighted what he described as a unique bond between father and daughter, the fact that they shared the same birthday.
“He was your birthday twin,” Ahmedu recalled, describing the relationship as a special blessing that made their connection even more remarkable.
Victoria’s journey with D’Tigress began at the 2019 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket in Dakar, Senegal, where she joined the national team under American coach Otis Hughley.
Since then, she has remained a regular presence in the national team, combining her international career with a professional journey that has taken her through the WNBA and European basketball.
After graduating from Temple University, Macaulay began her WNBA career with Indiana Fever in 2013 and subsequently played for Chicago Sky and Connecticut Sun. She later continued her career in Europe, including a stint with Turkish giants Galatasaray.
Ahmedu says, beyond the achievements, medals and international appearances was a father who remained proud to watch his daughter carry Nigeria’s colours.
He prayed that Victoria and her family would find the strength to endure the loss, while encouraging her to draw comfort from the life, love and memories her father left behind.
“His love and presence can never be forgotten,” Ahmedu said. “May his memory remain a source of comfort, love and strength to you and your family.”
Victoria Macaulay, a player who has spent years making her country proud on basketball courts around the world, the passing of the man who proudly watched that journey represents a deeply personal loss.
