Seven-time African champions name blend of experience and youth ahead of March showdown in Lyon, France

Seven-time African champions, D’Tigress of Nigeria, have unveiled a provisional squad ahead of the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Qualifying Tournament scheduled for March 11–17, 2026, in Lyon, France.

The provisional list, released as part of preparations for the tournament, reflects a careful balance of experienced campaigners and emerging talents as Nigeria gears up to face France, Germany, South Korea, Colombia, and the Philippines.

Head coach Rena Wakama has retained key players expected to provide leadership and stability, including Amy Okonkwo, Sarah Ogoke, Promise Amukamara, and Ezinne Kalu. They are joined by a crop of young prospects such as Pius Beggi Idubano, Adenike Olawuyi, Grace Efosa, Rita Igbokwe, Wandoo Hemba, and Ayomide Tewogbade, who will be looking to make their mark on the international stage.

The full provisional squad comprises 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, and Blessing Ejiofor.

According to the official fixture list, Nigeria will begin their qualifying campaign against Colombia on March 11, before taking on South Korea on March 12. They will then face the Philippines on March 14, hosts France on March 15, and conclude their group matches against Germany on March 17. The top three teams from the group will advance to the next stage of the competition.

D’Tigress have already secured automatic qualification for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Berlin after winning the 2025 Women’s AfroBasket. The Lyon qualifiers are therefore expected to serve as a vital platform for tactical fine-tuning and team bonding ahead of the global tournament.

Other countries already qualified for the World Cup include Germany, Australia, Belgium, and the United States.

Nigeria have previously featured at the Women’s Basketball World Cup in Brazil in 2006 and Spain in 2018. Drawing from that experience, D’Tigress will be aiming to build momentum as they prepare for the Berlin showpiece in September 2026.