Coach Wakama unveils squad for Nigeria’s FIBA Women’s World Cup qualifiers
D’Tigress head coach Rena Wakama has unveiled a 17-player provisional roster ahead of Nigeria’s campaign at the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup qualifiers, scheduled for 11–17 March 2026 in Lyon, France.
There are several similar names in the list released by Wakama, including Ezinne Kalu, Elizabeth Balogun, Promise Amukamara, Amy Okonkwo, Murjanatu Musa and others, who were part of the team that won the 2025 FIBA AfroBasket Championship in Ivory Coast.
Nigeria has already qualified for the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026 as the reigning African champions, but D’Tigress will use the qualification tournament to test the team’s strength against the other opponents ahead of the main tournament scheduled to take place in Germany in September.
The West African nation will begin their qualifying campaign against Colombia on March 11, followed by South Korea on March 12,, the Philippines on March 14, hosts France on March 15, and Germany on March 17, with the top three teams securing tickets to the World Cup.
Other countries that have also qualified for the tournament include Germany (host), the U.S. (Champions of America), Belgium (Champions of Europe) and Australia (Champions of Asia).
Names of the 17 players
Ezinne Kalu
Elizabeth Balogun
Promise Amukamara
Pius Beggi Idubano
Nicole Enabosi
Victoria Macaulay
Grace Efosa
Amy Okonkwo
Murjanatu Musa
Pallas Kunayi
Okoro Ifunaya
Wandoo Hembam
Adenike Olawuyi
Sarah Ogoke
Ayomide Tewogbade
Rita Igbokwe
Blessing Ejiofor
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