D’Tigress Begin World Cup Qualifying Quest with Confidence in France

Posted : 10 March 2026

Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, Nigeria women's national basketball team, has begun its campaign preparations for the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup Qualification Tournament with their first training session in Lyon, as the team sets its sights firmly on securing a place at the global showpiece later this year.

Led by head coach Rena Wakama, the reigning African champions arrived in France to a warm welcome before immediately getting down to work ahead of the high-stakes qualifiers.

Wakama expressed optimism about the squad’s preparations, noting that the tournament presents a valuable opportunity to measure the team’s progress against some of the world’s top sides.

“Our preparations have been intense, and this tournament in Lyon is an important part of that process,” Wakama said. “It allows us to test ourselves against strong competition and evaluate where we are as a team.”

She added that the players have shown impressive commitment in training, emphasizing that the squad is moving steadily in the right direction as they target qualification for the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup, which will be hosted later this year in Germany.

According to the coach, the final 12-player roster reflects a deliberate blend of experience and youthful energy — a balance she believes will strengthen the team’s competitiveness.

“We have a strong core of experienced players who understand the expectations and culture of D’Tigress,” Wakama noted. “At the same time, we’ve integrated younger talents who bring fresh energy and competitiveness.”

She also revealed that the team is refining its tactical approach, focusing on quicker transitions, improved defensive communication, and stronger on-court chemistry.

Despite the pressure that comes with representing Africa’s most dominant women’s basketball side, Wakama said the players remain motivated to make Nigerians proud both at home and across the diaspora.

“Representing Nigeria means a lot to every player on this roster. Our supporters will see a team that fights for every possession, plays unselfish basketball, and never gives up.”

Nigeria will open their qualification campaign on March 11 against Colombia, before facing South Korea the following day.

The team will then take on the Philippines, tournament hosts France, and finally Germany between March 14 and March 17.

For the record as African champions, the tournament offers not only a path to the World Cup but also another opportunity to reinforce the growing global reputation of Nigerian women’s basketball.

D’Tigress Begin World Cup Qualifying Quest with Confidence in France

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