Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, have arrived in Lyon ahead of the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournament, scheduled to run from March 11 to March 17.
The reigning African champions touched down in the French city on Monday as preparations intensify for the global qualifying window that will feature six nations competing in a round-robin format. Nigeria will battle Colombia, South Korea, Philippines, host nation France, and Germany in the highly competitive tournament.
Nigeria will begin their campaign against Colombia on March 11 before facing South Korea a day later. After a short break, D’Tigress will take on the Philippines on March 14, followed by a clash against host France on March 15, before rounding off their schedule against Germany on March 17.
Head coach Rena Wakama has retained the core of the squad that has dominated African women’s basketball in recent years. The team features experienced campaigners such as Ezinne Kalu, Sarah Ogoke, Amy Okonkwo, and Promise Amukamara, alongside other key players including Elizabeth Balogun and Nicole Enabosi.
The Nigerian side heads into the tournament with strong pedigree, having established themselves as the dominant force in African women’s basketball after winning multiple FIBA Women’s AfroBasket titles in recent years. Their participation in the Lyon tournament is expected to provide valuable top-level competition as they continue preparations for the global stage.
The qualifying tournaments are being staged in four cities worldwide as part of the pathway to the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026, where 16 nations will compete for the title later this year.
D’Tigress are expected to commence training sessions immediately in Lyon as the technical crew fine-tunes tactics and fitness ahead of their opening fixture.
