Nigeria’s national women’s basketball head coach, Rena Wakama, has officially trimmed her squad to a final 12-player roster ahead of the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifying Tournament. Following a period of intense evaluation from a previously announced provisional pool, the African champions are now set for their journey to Villeurbanne, France. The highly anticipated qualifying series is scheduled to take place from March 11 to 17, 2026, serving as a critical platform for the continent’s most dominant side to test their mettle against a diverse array of global challengers.
The finalized list strikes a balance between seasoned leadership and tactical continuity, featuring several pillars of the team’s recent successes. Established stars such as Ezinne Kalu, Promise Amukamara, and Amy Okonkwo have been retained to provide the veteran presence necessary for high-stakes international competition. They are joined by fellow mainstays Murjanatu Musa and Sarah Ogoke, ensuring that the core of the squad that spearheaded Nigeria’s historic 2024 Olympic run remains intact for this European expedition.
“D’Tigress head coach Rena Wakama has named 12 players in her final roster for the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifying Tournament. The tournament which will hold in Villeurbanne, France, will run from March 11 to 17. Wakama selected the players from an earlier released provisional squad.”
The task ahead in Villeurbanne is formidable, as D’Tigress have been drawn into a competitive group that includes the host nation, France. Beyond the European powerhouses, the Nigerian side will also contend with the distinct playing styles of the Philippines, Colombia, Germany, and South Korea. This series of matchups will be instrumental in maintaining the team’s momentum as they look to build upon their reputation as a top-tier global competitor, following their trailblazing achievements on the world stage over the past two years.
“Regulars, including Ezinne Kalu, Promise Amukamara, Amy Okonkwo,Murjanatu Musa, and Sarah Ogoke are some of the players who made the squad. D’ Tigress will face France, the Philippines, Colombia, Germany, and South Korea in the competition. The African champions will open their campaign against Colombia on March 11.”
D’Tigress are slated to tip off their campaign with a crucial opening fixture against Colombia on March 11. Success in this initial encounter will be vital for setting the tone for the remainder of the week-long tournament. As the reigning queens of African basketball, the pressure remains on Wakama and her 12-woman rotation to deliver a performance that reflects their status, proving once again that they belong among the elite sixteen nations in the world.
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