Nigeria’s seven-time African champions, D’Tigress, have announced a provisional squad ahead of the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Qualifying Tournament, set to take place from 11–17 March 2026 in Lyon, France.

Head coach Rena Wakama has selected a blend of seasoned campaigners and emerging talent as the side prepares to face France, Germany, South Korea, Colombia and the Philippines in the qualifying event.

Leading the squad are established stars Amy Okonkwo, Sarah Ogoke, Promise Amukamara and Ezinne Kalu, alongside young prospects Pius Idubano, Adenike Olawuyi, Grace Efosa, Rita Igbokwe, Wandoo Hemba and Tewogbade Mololuwa.

The full provisional roster includes Ezinne Kalu, Elizabeth Balogun, Promise Amukamara, Pius Beggi Idubano, Nicole Enabosi, Victoria Macaulay, Murjanatu Musa, Pallas Kunayi-Akpannah, Grace Efosa, Amy Okonkwo, Ayomide Tewogbade, Rita Igbokwe, Ifunaya Okoro, Wandoo Hemba, Adenike Olawuyi, Sarah Ogoke, and Blessing Ejiofor.

Nigeria will open their qualifying campaign against Colombia on March 11, followed by games against South Korea on March 12, the Philippines on March 14, France on March 15, and Germany on March 17.

The top three teams from the group will advance to the next stage. Having secured automatic qualification for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Berlin by winning the 2025 Women’s AfroBasket, the D’Tigress will use the Lyon tournament to sharpen strategies and build team cohesion ahead of the global event.

Alongside host Germany, Australia, Belgium and the USA have already qualified.

Nigeria have appeared at the Women’s Basketball World Cup on two previous occasions, in Brazil in 2006 and Spain in 2018, and will aim to build on that experience as they prepare for Berlin in September 2026.