Nigeria’s D’Tigress Start 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup Campaign Today Against Colombia In Lyon, France

Nigeria’s D’Tigress Start 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup Campaign Today Against Colombia in Lyon, France Defending African champions Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, the D’Tigress, begin their 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Qualifying Tournament campaign today with a Group A opener against Colombia in Lyon, France. The qualifying tournament running from March 11 to March 17 at the Astroballe Arena in Villeurbanne near Lyon features six teams in Nigeria’s group: Nigeria, Colombia, South Korea, Philippines, France and Germany. Although the D’Tigress have already secured automatic qualification for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Berlin, Germany through their triumph at the 2025 Women’s AfroBasket, the Lyon tournament offers valuable competitive action as part of their preparation for the global event later in the year. Head coach Rena Wakama arrived with a 12‑player squad combining experienced campaigners and emerging talents. The roster features key players including captain Amy Okonkwo, Ezinne Kalu, Promise Amukamara, Sarah Ogoke and Elizabeth Balogun, among others. Ahead of today’s match, Wakama pledged that her players will “fight for every possession” and remain focused on building momentum through the qualifiers, stressing the importance of competitive preparation ahead of the World Cup. The D’Tigress’ schedule in Lyon continues with games against South Korea on March 12, the Philippines on March 14, hosts France on March 15 and Germany on March 17, as the team seeks strong performances against quality international opposition.The FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup is scheduled for September 4–13, 2026, in Berlin.