Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, have named their final 12-player squad for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Berlin, Germany.
Head coach Rena Wakama selected a blend of experienced campaigners and emerging talents as the reigning African champions prepare for their third appearance at the global tournament.
Forward Amy Okonkwo will captain the team, while experienced guards Ezinne Kalu and Promise Amukamara are also included in the squad.
The final 12-player roster comprises Promise Amukamara, Jordan Obi, Elizabeth Balogun, Murjanatu Musa, Pallas Kunaiyi-Akpanah, Rita Igbokwe, Victoria Macaulay, Ezinne Kalu, Shay Ijiwoye, Nicole Enabosi, Amy Okonkwo and Grace Efosa.
Kalu and Amukamara are the only players in the current squad who featured for Nigeria at the 2018 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Spain. Their inclusion means they are set to become the first Nigerian players to appear at two editions of the tournament.
D’Tigress qualified automatically for the 2026 World Cup after winning the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket title.
Nigeria reached the quarter-finals at the 2024 Paris Olympics, their best-ever Olympic finish, and will be hoping to build on that historic run in Berlin.
FIBA has identified Ezinne Kalu, Victoria Macaulay and Murjanatu Musa among Nigeria’s key players to watch at the tournament, while highlighting the team’s experience and physical style as major strengths.
The 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup is taking place from September 4 to 13, with Nigeria drawn in Group B alongside France, Hungary and South Korea.
D’Tigress will begin their campaign against South Korea in Berlin on Friday, September 4, before facing Hungary on September 5 and France on September 7.
Nigeria will be aiming to surpass its previous best World Cup finish and make another significant mark on the international stage.
