D’Tigress head coach Rena Wakama has announced a 17-women provisional squad ahead of the FIBA women’s basketball World Cup qualifying tournament, billed for 11–17 March 2026 in Lyon, France.
Reigning African champions D’Tigress will take on France, Germany, South Korea, Colombia and the Philippines in the qualifying tournament.
The squad, led by stars Amy Okonkwo, Sarah Ogoke, Promise Amukamara and Ezinne Kalu, also includes young players Pius Beggi Idubano, Adenike Olawuyi, Grace Efosa, Rita Igbokwe, Wandoo Hemba and Tewogbade Mololuwa.
D’Tigress will kick off the qualifiers against Colombia on March 11, followed by matches against 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.
The Nigerian senior women’s basketball team has already qualified for the 2026 FIBA World Cup 2026 in Berlin, Germany, which will take place from 4–13 September, by winning the 2025 Women’s AfroBasket title.
Other countries who have qualified for the World Cup are Australia, Belgium and the United States of America.
D’Tigress will use the qualifying tournament in France as part of their preparation for the World Cup.
D’Tigress Provisional 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, and Blessing Ejiofor.
