Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, has begun training in Lyon ahead of the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Qualifying Tournament. The tournament, which runs from March 11 to 17, is an essential part of the team’s preparations for the World Cup later this year.
Training Camp Kicks Off
The team arrived in Villeurbanne, France, on Monday, marking the start of their intensive preparations. In a short video shared on social media, D’Tigress showed the players immediately getting to work with shooting drills and gym sessions.
Head coach Rena Wakama and her assistants, along with 12 players, are already in camp. The squad includes key players like Ezinne Kalu, Promise Amukamara, and team captain Amy Okonkwo, who will lead Nigeria in the qualifiers.
Upcoming Qualifier Matches
D’Tigress open their campaign on March 11 against Colombia, followed by a match against South Korea on March 12. They will then face the Philippines on March 14, host nation France on March 15, and Germany on March 17.
Although Nigeria has already secured a spot in the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup in Berlin after winning the 2025 Women’s AfroBasket, these qualifiers are crucial for building team cohesion and sharpening their skills for the global event.
Strong Squad with Experienced Players
The team boasts a blend of experienced players and emerging stars. In addition to the veteran guards Kalu and Amukamara, the squad includes newcomers like Sarah Ogoke, Elizabeth Balogun, and Blessing Ejiofor.
Optimism for the Future
D’Tigress enters this tournament with increased respect on the international stage. FIBA’s latest rankings place Nigeria as the eighth-best team globally after their strong performances in recent competitions.
Historic Achievements and Ambitions
D’Tigress made history at the 2018 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Tenerife, becoming the first African team to progress beyond the group stage. They’ve also appeared in the global tournament twice before, in 2006 and 2018. This year, they will aim for even greater success.
International Exposure
Following the qualifiers in France, D’Tigress will head to the United States in April for a landmark preseason exhibition match against the Minnesota Lynx. This will mark the first time an African national team faces a Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) franchise in preparation for the World Cup.
Conclusion
With a balanced team and strong preparations, D’Tigress are focused on their goal of excelling at the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup in Berlin. The qualifiers in France will provide valuable experience as the team continues to build momentum for the global stage.
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