Defending African champions Nigeria women’s national basketball team, D’Tigress, have begun their campaign at the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026 qualifying tournament with a historic opening clash against Colombia women’s national basketball team in Lyon, France.
The much-anticipated matchup will take place at the Villeurbanne Sports Arena, where Nigeria’s basketball queens aim to maintain their reputation as one of the most formidable forces in global women’s basketball.
Having dominated African women’s basketball in recent years, D’Tigress now aim to translate that success onto the global stage.
D’Tigress Determined to Achieve Total Dominance
In a statement released on Wednesday and signed by Kola Daniel, Special Assistant on Media in the Office of the Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), the team expressed confidence ahead of the opening game.
According to the statement, Nigeria’s players believe the encounter with Colombia provides the perfect opportunity to build momentum as they prepare for the World Cup later this year.
The statement read:
“The Nigerian girls who have a reputation of getting better with every game in competitions are determined not to underrate their relatively unknown South American opponents, who themselves are eager to make it to their second ever Women’s World Cup in Germany later this year.”
The match will also produce a historic moment as both nations meet for the first time ever in women’s basketball.
“The result of today’s matchup in Lyon will definitely have a special historic outcome as both countries are meeting for the first time in the history of women’s basketball.”
Tough Schedule Awaits Nigeria in Lyon
The African champions arrived in Lyon over the weekend to complete their final preparations for the tournament.
Coach Wakama travelled with a squad of 12 players, who are expected to defend Nigeria’s growing status in international basketball.
After the opening game against Colombia, the Nigerian side faces a demanding schedule in the round-robin tournament:
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Colombia – March 11
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South Korea women’s national basketball team – March 12
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Philippines women’s national basketball team – March 14
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France women’s national basketball team – March 15
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Germany women’s national basketball team – March 17
In total, 24 national teams are competing across four global qualifying tournaments for the remaining places at the World Cup in Berlin.
A total of 60 games will be played in round-robin format across the qualifying competitions.
In most tournaments, the top three teams qualify for the World Cup. However, because host nation Germany and continental champions such as Nigeria already have automatic qualification, 11 additional teams will progress from the qualifiers.
Wakama Focused Despite Automatic Qualification
Head coach Rena Wakama has made it clear that Nigeria is approaching the tournament with full focus despite already securing qualification for the World Cup as African champions.
Nigeria earned automatic qualification after winning the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket 2025 in Côte d’Ivoire.
However, Wakama is using the tournament as an opportunity to test the team’s readiness ahead of the main competition in Berlin.
The qualifiers will serve as preparation for the World Cup scheduled to take place in Germany from September 4 to 13.
Nigeria will rely heavily on its experienced stars during the competition.
Two of the team’s leading players, Ezinne Kalu and Amy Okonkwo, have been named among the top ten players to watch in the tournament.
According to the NSC statement:
“Two of Nigeria’s top stars, Ezinne Kalu and Amy Okonkwo, have been named amongst the top ten players to watch out for in the tournament as D’Tigress hopes to continue their unbeaten run from the 2025 FIBA Afrobasket in Cote d’Ivoire.”
Colombia Rising in Global Basketball
While Nigeria enters the game as favourites, officials have warned that Colombia should not be underestimated.
The South American side has made significant progress in recent years and is now ranked 19th in the world, following a jump of 11 places in the latest FIBA rankings.
The NSC statement noted:
“Colombia have been showing impressive signs in recent years when it comes to women’s basketball in the South American region, and they became a top 20 country in the latest FIBA ranking after a jump of 11 spots into 19th place in the last World rankings.”
XE Jet Partnership Boosts D’Tigress Campaign
Meanwhile, the team’s campaign has received a significant off-court boost through a strategic partnership between the Nigeria Basketball Federation and aviation services company XE Jet.
The partnership includes aviation and travel logistics support, ensuring that the team enjoys smooth travel arrangements and high safety standards during international competitions.
President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation, Musa Kida, described the partnership as a major boost for Nigerian basketball.
He noted that the collaboration reflects growing confidence from corporate organisations in Nigeria’s sporting sector.
According to Kida, the consistent success of D’Tigress on the international stage has made them worthy ambassadors for the country.
The federation also confirmed that XE Jet will host a Women in Sports Leadership Reception in Lyon, bringing together leaders from sports, diplomacy and business to strengthen collaboration around African sport and promote women’s participation.
As the journey toward Berlin 2026 begins, the African champions’ mission is to prove once again that D’Tigress belong among the world’s basketball elite.
