Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, will begin their campaign at the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Qualifying Tournament 2026 with an opening clash against Colombia women’s national basketball team on Wednesday at the Astroballe Arena.
The highly anticipated encounter will see the reigning African champions begin a demanding schedule in the week-long competition taking place in Lyon and Villeurbanne, France, as part of preparations for the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026.
Currently ranked 8th in the world, Nigeria head into the game as favourites against Colombia, who sit 19th in the global rankings and are making their debut appearance at the qualifying tournament.
D’Tigress arrived in France earlier in the week and immediately commenced preparations under head coach Rena Wakama, holding their first training session shortly after landing as they intensify their build-up for the opening fixture.
Speaking ahead of the encounter, Wakama said the tournament would provide an important platform for the team to measure their progress against top international opposition.
Our preparations have been intense, and this tournament here in Lyon is an important part of that process. It gives us the opportunity to test ourselves against strong competition and evaluate where we are as a team,” Wakama said.
The players have shown great commitment, discipline and hunger, so I believe we are moving in the right direction as we prepare for the World Cup in Germany.”
The Nigerian squad for the tournament features a balanced mix of experienced campaigners and emerging talents. Captain Amy Okonkwo leads the 12-player roster which includes key guards Ezinne Kalu, Promise Amukamara, Sarah Ogoke and Elizabeth Balogun.
Other players named in the squad are Ifunanya Okoro, Murjanatu Musa, Blessing Ejiofor, Nicole Enabosi, Pallas Kunaiyi-Akpanah, Victoria Macaulay, and Rita Igbokwe.
Wakama explained that the squad selection was carefully designed to combine experience with youthful energy.
What’s different this time is the balance we have within the squad. We have a strong core of experienced players who understand the expectations and the culture of D’Tigress, and at the same time we have integrated some younger talents who bring fresh energy and competitiveness,” she said.
The coach added that tactically the team is working on improving transitions, defensive communication and overall chemistry on the court as they continue to evolve.
Despite already securing qualification for the 2026 World Cup after emerging champions at the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket 2025, the qualifiers offer Nigeria a valuable opportunity to fine-tune preparations ahead of the global showpiece scheduled to take place in Berlin from September 4 to 13.
Colombia, meanwhile, head into the competition as one of three teams making their debut at the tournament, alongside Germany and the Philippines, and recently climbed into the world’s top 20 after rising 11 places in the latest rankings.
Nigeria will be hoping to begin the campaign on a strong note as they continue their build-up toward another appearance on the world stage, following their historic performance at the 2018 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup, where they became the first African team to progress beyond the group stage.
