The Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) has confirmed that Nigeria’s senior women’s national team, D’Tigress, will take on the Los Angeles Sparks in a high-profile international preseason exhibition on April 25, 2026.
The landmark encounter, scheduled for Viejas Arena in San Diego, forms a key part of D’Tigress’ global build-up ahead of major international competitions, including the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup qualifiers.
The fixture, listed in the Sparks’ official preseason schedule, underscores Nigeria’s growing presence on the global basketball stage and highlights the increasing recognition of women’s basketball in the country.
This will be the first-ever meeting between D’Tigress and the Sparks, one of the most successful franchises in the WNBA, further emphasizing Nigeria’s emergence as a major force in African basketball.
NBBF President, Musa Kida, described the game as a significant step forward for the national team.
He noted that the encounter goes beyond a regular preseason fixture, reflecting the team’s steady rise and international respect earned through years of consistency and dominance.
D’Tigress head into the showcase with an impressive pedigree, having established themselves as multiple-time AfroBasket champions and the highest-ranked women’s team on the continent, backed by a sustained period of success spanning over seven years.
The U.S. tour is part of a broader high-performance strategy by the NBBF, designed to strengthen the squad through elite competition, integrate diaspora talents, and fine-tune tactical preparations ahead of global tournaments. It will also feature community engagements and media activities aimed at boosting Nigeria’s basketball profile internationally.
In addition, the federation continues to leverage strategic partnerships, including collaborations with brands such as XE Jet, to improve player welfare, expand global exposure, and support long-term development initiatives.
Following the April 25 clash, D’Tigress are expected to continue their tour with further games and training camps as they gear up for a crucial competitive year.
The NBBF reiterated its ambition to position Nigeria not just as a participant on the world stage, but as a dominant force in women’s basketball, with D’Tigress serving as a symbol of excellence and progress for the continent.
