Nigeria’s seven-time African champions, D’Tigress (the Nigeria women’s national basketball team), have announced their provisional squad for the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Qualifying Tournament, set for March 11–17, 2026, in Lyon, France.
Under head coach Rena Wakama, the roster features a strong mix of experienced internationals and promising young talents as the team prepares to compete against France, Germany, South Korea, Colombia, and the Philippines.
Key players include Amy Okonkwo, Sarah Ogoke, Promise Amukamara, and Ezinne Kalu, alongside rising stars such as Pius Idubano (Pius Beggi Idubano), Adenike Olawuyi, Grace Efosa, Rita Igbokwe, Wandoo Hemba, and Ayomide Tewogbade (Tewogbade Mololuwa). 
The full provisional 17-player roster:
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.
Nigeria’s schedule:
– March 11: vs Colombia
– March 12: vs South Korea
– March 14: vs Philippines
– March 15: vs France
– March 17: vs Germany
The top three teams in the group advance. As 2025 Women’s AfroBasket winners, D’Tigress have already qualified automatically for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Berlin (September 2026). This Lyon tournament serves as valuable preparation to refine tactics and build team chemistry.
Alongside hosts Germany, Australia, Belgium, and the United States have also secured spots. Nigeria previously competed at the World Cup in 2006 (Brazil) and 2018 (Spain), and aims to make a strong impact next year.