D’Tigress coach Wakama names 17-player squad for World Cup qualifiers

Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, head coach Rena Wakama has released a 17-player provisional roster ahead of the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Qualifiers 2026, scheduled for March 11–17, 2026 in Lyon, France.

The squad features several key players who were part of Nigeria’s victorious campaign at the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket 2025, including Ezinne Kalu, Elizabeth Balogun, Promise Amukamara, Amy Okonkwo and Murjanatu Musa.

Although Nigeria has already secured qualification for the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026 as African champions, the qualifying tournament will serve as a crucial preparation platform ahead of the main competition scheduled for September in Germany.

D’Tigress will open their campaign against Colombia on March 11 before facing South Korea on March 12. They will then take on the Philippines on March 14, hosts France on March 15, and Germany on March 17. The top three teams at the tournament will secure qualification tickets.

Already-qualified teams for the World Cup include hosts Germany, the United States, Belgium and Australia.

Provisional Squad List

Ezinne Kalu

Elizabeth Balogun

Promise Amukamara

Pius Beggi Idubano

Nicole Enabosi

Victoria Macaulay

Grace Efosa

Amy Okonkwo

Murjanatu Musa

Pallas Kunayi

Okoro Ifunaya

Wandoo Hembam

Adenike Olawuyi

Sarah Ogoke

Ayomide Tewogbade

Rita Igbokwe

Blessing Ejiofor