D’Tigress head coach, Rena Wakama, has unveiled a 17-woman provisional roster as the Nigerian women’s basketball team gears up for the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup qualifying tournament, scheduled from 11–17 March 2026 in Lyon, France.
The reigning African champions will face a challenging group featuring France, Germany, South Korea, Colombia, and the Philippines.
The squad is spearheaded by established stars Amy Okonkwo, Sarah Ogoke, Promise Amukamara, and Ezinne Kalu, while also giving opportunities to young talents such as Pius Beggi Idubano, Adenike Olawuyi, Grace Efosa, Rita Igbokwe, Wandoo Hemba, and Tewogbade Mololuwa.
D’Tigress will open their campaign against Colombia on March 11, before clashing with South Korea on March 12, the Philippines on March 14, France on March 15, and Germany on March 17.
The top three teams from the group will advance to the next stage of the competition.
Already secured for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Berlin, Germany—set for 4–13 September—thanks to their triumph at the 2025 Women’s AfroBasket, D’Tigress will use the Lyon tournament as an important preparation for the global stage.
Provisional D’Tigress Squad:
Ezinne Kalu, Elizabeth Balogun, Promise Amukamara, Pius Beggi Idubano, Nicole Enabosi, Victoria Macaulay, Murjanatu Musa, Pallas Kunayi-Akpannah, Grace Efosa, Amy Okonkwo, Ayomide Tewogbade Mololuwa, Rita Igbokwe, Ifunaya Okoro, Wandoo Hemba, Adenike Olawuyi, Sarah Ogoke, Blessing Ejiofor
