NBBF releases preliminary D'Tigress roster for FIBA Women's World Cup Qualifiers in Lyon, France

NBBF releases preliminary D'Tigress roster for FIBA Women's World Cup Qualifiers in Lyon, France

..African Champions draw Germany, France, others

Nigeria Basketball Federation has announced a 17-players preliminary roster for the reigning Afrobasket champions D'Tigress, ahead of the 2026 FIBA Women's World Cup qualifiers taking place from March 11-18, 2026, across four centres; Lyon-Villeurbanne (France), Wushan(China), San Juan (Puerto Rico) and Instanbul (Turkey).

It would feature 24 nations competing for 16 top spots at the main event billed to hold September, in Berlin, Germany. 

In the preliminary roster, top rated Nigerian female basketball stars such as Ezinne Kalu, Elizabeth Balogun and Promise Amukamara leads the list of players, selected by awards-winning coach Rena Wakama. 

Others are Pius Beggi Idubano, Nicole Enabosi, Victoria Macaulay, Grace Efosa, Amy Okonkwo, Murjanatu Musa, Pallas Kunayi and Okoro Ifunaya, Wandoo Hembam, Adenike Olawuyi, Sarah Ogoke, Ayomide Tewogbade, Rita Igbokwe and Blessing Ejiofor. 

In the draws held Tuesday in Mies, Switzerland, Nigeria has been placed in the Lyon-Villeurbanne group alongside hosts France, Germany, Colombia, South Korea and Philippines. 

Nigeria heads into the qualifiers as one of the four continental champions, alongside Australia, Belgium and USA. 

Nigeria begins its quest for one of the top three tickets in the group, with opening game against Colombia on March 11th, followed by consecutive matches against South Korea, (March 12th); Philippines (March 14th); France (March 15th) and Germany, (March 17th).