Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, the D’Tigress, is set to start its 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup qualifying journey with a crucial match against the Colombian women’s national team on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, in Lyon-Villeurbanne, France.
This opening game will take place at the Astroballe arena, kicking off a week-long round-robin tournament from March 11 to 17, featuring 24 national teams competing for spots in the global event in Berlin later this year.
As seven-time African champions, the D’Tigress arrived in Lyon over the weekend and have been training under head coach Rena Wakama.
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Their 12-player roster combines seasoned leaders like captain Amy Okonkwo, Ezinne Kalu, Promise Amukamara, and Elizabeth Balogun with emerging talents.
Although Nigeria has already secured automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup in Berlin by winning the 2025 FIBA AfroBasket Women’s Championship, this qualifying tournament provides essential competitive experience and an opportunity to refine strategies against top international teams.
Following their opening match against Colombia, the D’Tigress will take on South Korea on March 12, the Philippines on March 14, host nation France on March 15, and Germany on March 17, as they aim for strong performances and continued development on the global stage.
