Seven-time African champions begin preparations in Lyon as they gear up to face Colombia in their opening game on Wednesday.

Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, has begun training in France ahead of the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Qualifying Tournament 2026.

The seven-time African champions arrived in Villeurbanne, Lyon, on Monday for the tournament scheduled to hold from March 11 to 17.

The team confirmed their arrival through a video shared on their official social media platforms, with clips posted on Instagram showing the players taking part in their first training session and gym workout as preparations intensify for Wednesday’s opening game against Colombia.

Head coach Rena Wakama, her assistants, and the 12 players selected for the competition have all arrived in France.

Wakama recently concluded her coaching duties with Hive Basketball Club in the 3×3 Unrivalled League before linking up with the national team for the tournament.

Team Nigeria already secured qualification for the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026 in Berlin after winning the Women’s AfroBasket 2025. However, the qualifying tournament in Lyon will serve as further preparation for the global championship scheduled to take place in Germany from September 4 to 13.

D’Tigress will open their campaign against Colombia on Wednesday, before facing South Korea on March 12, the Philippines on March 14, hosts France on March 15, and Germany on March 17.

Several experienced players are expected to play key roles during the competition, including Ezinne Kalu, Promise Amukamara, and team captain Amy Okonkwo.

Other members of the squad include Sarah Ogoke, Elizabeth Balogun, Nicole Enabosi, Victoria Macaulay, Murjanatu Musa, Pallas Kunayi-Akpanah, Rita Igbokwe, Ifunaya Okoro, and Blessing Ejiofor.

Nigeria will aim to maintain the strong momentum that has boosted its standing in global basketball. In its first power rankings for the 2026 World Cup released recently, FIBA ranked the African champions eighth in the world, citing their recent achievements and the depth of the squad.