D’Tigress Storm France Ahead of World Cup Qualifiers, Set to Battle Global Rivals in Lyon
D’Tigress Storm France Ahead of World Cup Qualifiers, Set to Battle Global Rivals in Lyon
By Dr. Odimientimi Agbedeyi
Nigeria’s indomitable senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, has officially begun intensive preparations in France ahead of the highly anticipated FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Qualifying Tournament 2026, scheduled to commence on March 11 in Lyon.
The reigning African champions arrived in the French city of Villeurbanne on Monday, signaling the beginning of what promises to be a thrilling week of high-level international basketball. Their arrival was confirmed through a short but energetic video shared on the team’s official social media platforms, showing players settling into camp and immediately launching into training activities.
From shooting drills to intense conditioning sessions in the gym, the Nigerian squad wasted no time getting into competitive shape as they prepare for their opening clash against Colombia.
A Team Fueled by Experience and Determination
All twelve selected players traveled to France alongside head coach Rena Wakama and her technical crew, bringing together a squad rich in experience and international exposure.
Among the players expected to play pivotal roles in the tournament are veteran guards Ezinne Kalu and Promise Amukamara, as well as team captain Amy Okonkwo. These seasoned athletes have been instrumental in Nigeria’s rise to dominance on the African basketball scene.
Other notable members of the squad include Sarah Ogoke, Elizabeth Balogun, Nicole Enabosi, Victoria Macaulay, Murjanatu Musa, Pallas Kunayi-Akpanah, Rita Igbokwe, Ifunaya Okoro, and Blessing Ejiofor—players whose blend of youthful energy and tactical discipline continues to strengthen the team’s international reputation.
Coach Wakama recently concluded coaching duties with Hive Basketball Club in the 3×3 Unrivalled League before linking up with the national team in France. Her leadership and tactical insight have been widely credited with sustaining the momentum of Nigerian women’s basketball.
A Tournament of Preparation and Prestige
Although Nigeria has already secured qualification for the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026 after winning the Women’s AfroBasket 2025, the Lyon qualifiers provide an important opportunity for the team to sharpen its competitive edge ahead of the global tournament scheduled to take place in Berlin, Germany, from September 4 to 13, 2026.
For D’Tigress, the qualifying tournament is more than just another competition. It is a critical testing ground where strategy, teamwork, and resilience will be refined against some of the world’s most formidable opponents.
Tough Battles Await
Nigeria will open its campaign against Colombia on Wednesday. The team will then face South Korea on March 12, the Philippines on March 14, host nation France on March 15, and Germany on March 17.
Each of these games is expected to test the team’s tactical discipline, stamina, and ability to adapt under pressure.
Nevertheless, the mood in camp remains upbeat. Videos circulating online from the team’s training sessions show players in high spirits as they continue their preparations with shooting drills and conditioning sessions, reflecting a team determined to maintain its winning culture.
Rising Global Reputation
Nigeria’s dominance on the African continent has steadily translated into global recognition. In its first power rankings for the 2026 World Cup released recently, the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) placed Nigeria eighth in the world based on their recent achievements and the depth of their squad.
This ranking reflects not only their recent successes but also the cohesion, experience, and tactical discipline that have become the hallmark of Nigerian women’s basketball.
Remembering a Historic Journey
The Nigerian women’s basketball team previously made history at the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2018 in Tenerife, Spain, becoming the first African team to progress beyond the group stage after defeating strong teams such as Turkey and Argentina.
That historic feat elevated the profile of African women’s basketball and inspired a new generation of athletes across the continent.
Before that remarkable performance, Nigeria had also participated in the 2006 edition of the tournament held in Brazil.
Now, as the countdown to the 2026 World Cup intensifies, the team hopes to surpass its previous achievements and further cement its place among the world’s elite basketball nations.
The Pride of a Nation
For millions of Nigerians at home and abroad, D’Tigress represents more than just a basketball team. They embody resilience, national pride, and the rising influence of African women in global sports.
As the players step onto the courts in Lyon, they carry with them the hopes of a nation eager to see its champions continue their remarkable journey.
If their history is anything to go by, D’Tigress is once again ready to roar on the world stage.
Source: Punch Newspaper
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