Nigeria’s seven-time African champions, D’Tigress, have unveiled a strong provisional squad ahead of the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Qualifying Tournament, scheduled to run from March 11–17, 2026, in Lyon, France.
Head coach, Rena Wakama has opted for a balanced mix of proven internationals and emerging prospects as Nigeria prepares to test itself against some of the world’s top basketball nations despite having already secured a World Cup ticket.
The provisional list is headlined by established campaigners Ezinne Kalu, Amy Okonkwo, Promise Amukamara and Sarah Ogoke, whose experience on the international stage remains central to Nigeria’s ambitions.
They are joined by a crop of rising talents including Pius Beggi Idubano, Adenike Olawuyi, Grace Efosa, Rita Igbokwe, Wandoo Hemba and Tewogbade Mololuwa.
Five-Nation Test Against Global Heavyweights
Nigeria will face a demanding schedule in Lyon, taking on five contrasting opponents:
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March 11: Nigeria vs Colombia
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March 12: Nigeria vs South Korea
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March 14: Nigeria vs Philippines
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March 15: Nigeria vs France
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March 17: Nigeria vs Germany
The format will see the top three teams from the group advance, with the competition offering Nigeria exposure to a variety of playing styles, from Asian pace and discipline to European physicality and structure.
Read More: HISTORY: How D’Tigress Rose to 8th in Latest FIBA Women’s World Ranking
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World Cup Ticket Already Secured
Nigeria has already guaranteed its place at the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup after lifting the Women’s AfroBasket title.
The World Cup will be staged in Berlin from September 4–13, 2026.
Alongside host Germany, Australia, Belgium and the United States have already qualified.
Nigeria has previously featured at the Women’s Basketball World Cup in Brazil 2006 and Spain 2018, and the current generation will be aiming to build on that history as Africa’s dominant force prepares for another shot at the global stage.
Full Provisional D’Tigress Squad List
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Ezinne Kalu
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Elizabeth Balogun
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Promise Amukamara
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Pius Beggi Idubano
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Nicole Enabosi
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Victoria Macaulay
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Murjanatu Musa
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Pallas Kunayi-Akpannah
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Grace Efosa
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Amy Okonkwo
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Ayomide Tewogbade
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Rita Igbokwe
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Ifunaya Okoro
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Wandoo Hemba
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Adenike Olawuyi
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Sarah Ogoke
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Blessing Ejiofor
Despite qualification being secured, the Lyon tournament is viewed as a crucial high-performance platform.
Wakama and her technical crew are expected to use the games to assess fringe players, refine offensive and defensive systems, improve transition play, and sharpen late-game execution.
