Nigeria’s D’Tigress begin training in France ahead of the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Qualifiers in Lyon

Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, have commenced their training camp in France as they prepare for the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Qualifying Tournament 2026, which begins on Wednesday in Lyon.

Also read:  FIFA Starts 100-Day Countdown to 2026 World Cup Amid Nigeria vs DR Congo Dispute

The seven-time African champions arrived in Villeurbanne, Lyon, on Monday and shared their arrival with fans through a video on the team’s official social media platforms.

The squad immediately participated in their first on-court session and gym workout, marking the start of preparations for their opening match against Colombia on March 11.

All 12 players selected for the tournament are accompanied by head coach Rena Wakama and her assistant coaches.

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

Although Nigeria has already qualified for the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026 in Berlin following their victory at Women’s AfroBasket 2025, the qualifiers in France serve as crucial match practice ahead of the global tournament scheduled from September 4 to 13.

D’Tigress will face Colombia (March 11), South Korea (March 12), the Philippines (March 14), hosts France (March 15), and Germany (March 17).

The squad blends experience and talent, including guards Ezinne Kalu and Promise Amukamara, captain Amy Okonkwo, Sarah Ogoke, Elizabeth Balogun, Nicole Enabosi, Victoria Macaulay, Murjanatu Musa, Pallas Kunayi-Akpanah, Rita Igbokwe, Ifunaya Okoro, and Blessing Ejiofor.

Training session videos show the team in high spirits, focusing on shooting drills, conditioning, and tactical preparation.

Nigeria’s D’Tigress continue to rise on the global stage, currently ranked eighth worldwide in the first FIBA 2026 World Cup power rankings.

The team has a history of strong performances, including making history at the 2018 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Tenerife, Spain, where they became the first African team to progress from the group stage.

Following the qualifiers in France, D’Tigress will travel to the United States in April for a historic preseason exhibition against the Minnesota Lynx, marking the first time an African national team faces a WNBA franchise.

Also read: NSC Chairman Says FIFA Does Not Solely Decide Nigeria World Cup Play-Off Spot

The squad’s campaign in France will be closely watched as they build momentum toward asserting themselves as a rising force in international women’s basketball ahead of the World Cup.