African champions, the D’Tigress of Nigeria, have named their final 12-player roster for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Berlin, Germany.
Head coach Rena Wakama selected a squad that combines experience and youth as Nigeria prepares for its third World Cup appearance, following previous outings in 2006 and 2018.
The squad, which will be captained by Amy Okonkwo, includes a mix of experienced campaigners and emerging talents.
Nigeria will be making their third appearance at the global showpiece after previously featuring in the 2006 and 2018 editions.
Ezinne Kalu and Promise Amukamara are the only members of the current squad who were also part of the D’Tigress team at the 2018 World Cup.
The duo are set to make history as the first Nigerian players to feature at two editions of the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup.
D’Tigress arrived in Berlin, Germany, on Wednesday ahead of the tournament, which will run from September 4 to 13.
The reigning African champions have been drawn in Group B alongside Hungary, the Republic of Korea, and France.
Wakama’s side will begin their campaign against the Republic of Korea at the Berlin Arena on Friday, September 4.
They will return to action the following day against Hungary at the Max-Schmeling-Halle before rounding off their group-stage campaign against France at the Berlin Arena on Monday, September 7.
D’Tigress enjoyed a historic outing at the 2018 edition hosted by Spain, becoming the first African team to reach the quarter-finals of the competition.
Packaged by Lanre Olabisi
