Africa’s top-ranked women’s national basketball team, Nigeria women’s national basketball team, popularly known as D’Tigress, has begun preparations in earnest ahead of the upcoming FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualification Tournament in Lyon–Villeurbanne, France.

 

The team, led by head coach Rena Wakama, arrived in France to a warm reception and wasted no time getting down to business, holding their first training session shortly after landing as they gear up for the global qualification tournament.

 

Speaking with the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) media team, Wakama expressed confidence in the team’s readiness to face some of the strongest basketball nations in the competition.

 

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

 

“The players have shown great commitment, discipline and hunger, so I believe we’re moving in the right direction as we prepare for the World Cup in Germany.”

 

Wakama noted that the final 12-player roster heading into the tournament reflects a balanced blend of experience and youthful energy, which she believes will strengthen the team’s competitiveness.

 

“What’s different this time is the balance we have within the squad. We have a strong core of experienced players who understand the expectations and the culture of D’Tigress, and at the same time we’ve integrated some younger talents who bring fresh energy and competitiveness,” she explained.

 

“Tactically, we’re also evolving — focusing on faster transitions, stronger defensive communication, and better team chemistry.”

 

The award-winning coach also acknowledged the expectations of millions of Nigerian fans both at home and in the diaspora, assuring them that the team is determined to make the country proud.

 

“With everything going on in the world today, we are proud to have the opportunity to play the game we love. The World Cup qualifiers is the only professional women’s basketball competition being played and televised in the world this week,” Wakama said.

 

“Representing Nigeria means a lot to every player on this roster, and we want to make our supporters proud. They will see a team that fights for every possession, plays unselfish basketball and never gives up. Our goal is to compete strongly, showcase the growth of Nigerian women’s basketball and continue building on the legacy of D’Tigress on the global stage.”

 

The reigning and record-winning FIBA Women’s AfroBasket champions will begin their quest in the tournament with an opening match against Colombia women’s national basketball team on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.

 

D’Tigress will then face South Korea women’s national basketball team the following day before taking on the Philippines women’s national basketball team. The Nigerian side will later battle tournament hosts France women’s national basketball team and conclude their fixtures against Germany women’s national basketball team between March 14 and March 17.

 

The competition serves as a key pathway to the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup scheduled to take place in Germany later this year, where D’Tigress will be aiming to further cement their reputation as Africa’s dominant force in women’s basketball.