Nigeria’s premier women’s basketball squad, the D’Tigress, have officially launched their training camp in France as they gear up for the high-stakes FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Qualifying Tournament 2026. The seven-time continental champions touched down in the city of Villeurbanne, Lyon, this past Monday, signaling their readiness for a rigorous competition schedule that is set to run from March 11 through March 17.
The Nigerian side confirmed their arrival in the European host city through various multimedia updates across their official social media channels. Footage released on Instagram on Monday afternoon provided fans with a glimpse into the team’s initial preparations, featuring the athletes participating in their inaugural on-court practice session followed by a comprehensive strength and conditioning workout in the gym. These intensive drills serve as the foundation for their tactical approach heading into the tournament’s opening fixture against Colombia this Wednesday.
In a show of full strength, the entire 12-player roster designated for the qualifying series successfully made the trip to France. The squad is accompanied by head coach Rena Wakama and her dedicated technical staff, all of whom are focused on securing a spot on the global stage. As the reigning queens of African basketball, the D’Tigress carry significant expectations into Lyon, where they aim to translate their recent regional dominance into a successful World Cup qualification campaign.