NBBF Unveils D’Tigress Preliminary Squad for 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifiers
By Rimawaglobalnews Sports Desk
The Nigeria Basketball Federation
(NBBF) has released a 17-player preliminary roster for the reigning Afrobasket champions, D’Tigress, ahead of the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifiers scheduled to hold from March 11 to 18, 2026.
The qualifying tournament will take place across four centres in Lyon-Villeurbanne (France), Wushan (China), San Juan (Puerto Rico), and Istanbul (Turkey), featuring 24 nations battling for 16 available slots at the main championship slated for September in Berlin, Germany.
Leading the Nigerian squad is a blend of experienced and emerging talents, including star players Ezinne Kalu, Elizabeth Balogun, and Promise Amukamara.
The roster was selected by award-winning head coach Rena Wakama, who guided the team to continental dominance.
Other players named in the provisional squad include 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, and Blessing Ejiofor.
At the official draw conducted in Mies, Switzerland, Nigeria was placed in the Lyon-Villeurbanne group alongside host nation France, Germany, Colombia, South Korea, and the Philippines.
D’Tigress heads into the qualifiers as one of the four continental champions, alongside Australia, Belgium, and the United States, reinforcing their status as one of the tournament’s strongest contenders.
Nigeria will begin its qualification campaign against Colombia on March 11, followed by matches against South Korea on March 12, Philippines on March 14, France on March 15, and Germany on March 17.
The team is targeting a top-three finish in the group to secure qualification for the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup.
— Akeem Busari, Media Officer, NBBF
