D’Tigress Begin World Cup Qualifiers Against Colombia in France
Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, will kick off their FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Qualifying Tournament campaign with a clash against Colombia on Wednesday in Villeurbanne, France, according to PUNCH Sports Extra.
The game is scheduled for 2 p.m. local time at the Astroballe Arena, as the seven-time African champions embark on a challenging five-game schedule running from March 11 to 17.
Arriving in France on Monday, the team immediately began preparations under head coach Rena Wakama, holding their first training session ahead of the opening encounter.
The 12-player roster blends experience with youth, led by captain Amy Okonkwo. Key players include guards Ezinne Kalu, Promise Amukamara, Sarah Ogoke, and Elizabeth Balogun, alongside Ifunanya Okoro, Murjanatu Musa, Blessing Ejiofor, Nicole Enabosi, Pallas Kunaiyi-Akpanah, Victoria Macaulay, and Rita Igbokwe.
Although Nigeria has already secured a spot at the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026 by winning the Women’s AfroBasket 2025 title, the qualifiers offer the team an opportunity to test themselves against strong opposition ahead of the global tournament in Berlin, Germany, scheduled for September 4–13.
Speaking to the Nigerian Basketball Federation (NBBF), Wakama said, “Our preparations have been intense, and this tournament in Lyon is an important part of that process. It allows us to test ourselves and evaluate where we are as a team. The players have shown great commitment, discipline, and hunger, and I believe we are moving in the right direction for the World Cup.”
Wakama emphasized the squad’s careful balance of seasoned players and emerging talent. “We have a strong core of experienced players who understand the expectations and culture of D’Tigress, alongside younger talents who bring fresh energy and competitiveness. Tactically, we are evolving with faster transitions, stronger defensive communication, and better team chemistry,” she added.
Representing Nigeria remains a strong motivator for the team. “These World Cup qualifiers are the only professional women’s basketball games being played and televised this week globally. Every player is proud to represent Nigeria, and we want to make our supporters proud with a team that fights for every possession, plays unselfish basketball, and never gives up,” Wakama said.
Colombia, along with Germany and the Philippines, make their debut at this qualifying tournament, while France is the only team in the Lyon-Villeurbanne group that competed at the 2022 World Cup. The South American side recently climbed to 19th in the global rankings, rising 11 places.
The top two teams from the qualifiers will advance to the World Cup, joining hosts Germany and AfroBasket champions Nigeria.
Nigeria aims to build on their historic performance at the 2018 World Cup in Tenerife, Spain, where they became the first African team to progress from the group stage, using the French tournament as key preparation for next year’s global showpiece.
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