Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, has unveiled its provisional squad ahead of the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Qualifying Tournament, set to take place from 11 to 17 March 2026 in Lyon, France.
The seven-time African champions will enter the tournament with a mix of proven international players and fresh faces. Head coach Rena Wakama is focused on building a team capable of competing with the world’s best.
D’Tigress’ Challenging Group
Nigeria has been drawn in a tough group alongside France, Germany, South Korea, Colombia, and the Philippines. The competition will be an important test of the team’s depth and readiness ahead of the 2026 Women’s World Cup.
Key Players and New Faces
Among the headline names in the provisional squad are Amy Okonkwo, Sarah Ogoke, Promise Amukamara, and Ezinne Kalu, all of whom have played vital roles in Nigeria’s recent continental success.
The squad also features exciting young players, including Pius Idubano, Adenike Olawuyi, Grace Efosa, Rita Igbokwe, Wandoo Hemba, and Tewogbade Mololuwa, adding fresh energy to the team.
The Provisional Squad
The full provisional squad includes:
- Ezinne Kalu
- Elizabeth Balogun
- Promise Amukamara
- Pius Beggi Idubano
- Nicole Enabosi
- Victoria Macaulay
- Murjanatu Musa
- Pallas Kunayi-Akpannah
- Grace Efosa
- Amy Okonkwo
- Ayomide Tewogbade
- Rita Igbokwe
- Ifunaya Okoro
- Wandoo Hemba
- Adenike Olawuyi
- Sarah Ogoke
- Blessing Ejiofor
Key Fixtures in Lyon
D’Tigress will open their campaign against Colombia on 11 March, followed by a match against South Korea on 12 March. The team will then face the Philippines on 14 March, France on 15 March, and Germany on 17 March. Only the top three teams from the group will progress to the next round, making each match crucial.
Focus on Preparation for 2026
Although Nigeria has already secured automatic qualification for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Berlin after winning the 2025 Women’s AfroBasket title, the Lyon tournament will be an important opportunity to fine-tune tactics and assess combinations. Coach Wakama will use these matches to strengthen team chemistry and prepare for the global competition later in the year.
The 2026 Women’s Basketball World Cup will be held in Berlin in September, with host nation Germany already secured a spot, along with Australia, Belgium, and the United States.
Aiming for a Deeper World Cup Run
Nigeria has previously competed in the Women’s Basketball World Cup in 2006 (Brazil) and 2018 (Spain). With memories of those tournaments still fresh, D’Tigress will be aiming to make a deeper impact in 2026 and improve on their previous performances.
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