D’Tigress Prepare for Berlin 2026 with Lyon Qualifying Test

D’Tigress Prepare for Berlin 2026 with Lyon Qualifying Test

By Admin 

Nigeria’s seven-time African champions, Nigeria women's national basketball team, have unveiled a provisional squad ahead of the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Qualifying Tournament scheduled for 11–17 March 2026 in Lyon.

Head coach Rena Wakama has selected a balanced roster combining established internationals with emerging prospects as the team prepares to face France, Germany, South Korea, Colombia and the Philippines.

Among the headline names included are Amy Okonkwo, Sarah Ogoke, Promise Amukamara and Ezinne Kalu, all of whom bring significant international experience. They are joined by a group of rising talents, including Pius Idubano, Adenike Olawuyi, Grace Efosa, Rita Igbokwe, Wandoo Hemba and Tewogbade Mololuwa.

The full provisional roster comprises 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 and Blessing Ejiofor.

Nigeria will open their qualifying campaign against Colombia on March 11, before taking on South Korea (March 12), the Philippines (March 14), France (March 15) and Germany (March 17). The top three teams from the group will progress to the next stage.

Having already secured automatic qualification for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Berlin after winning the 2025 Women’s AfroBasket, D’Tigress are expected to use the Lyon tournament to fine-tune tactics and strengthen team chemistry ahead of the global showpiece.

Alongside hosts Germany, Australia, Belgium and the United States have also booked their places at the tournament. Nigeria previously featured at the Women’s Basketball World Cup in Brazil (2006) and Spain (2018) and will be aiming to build on that experience when the competition tips off in September 2026.