By George Omagbemi Sylvester
Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, the D’Tigress, are kicking off their 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup qualifying campaign with a high‑stakes clash against the Colombia women’s national basketball team on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, in Lyon‑Villeurbanne, France. The opening game takes place at the Astroballe arena, marking the start of a week‑long round‑robin tournament running March 11–17 that will see 24 national teams compete for places at the global showpiece in Berlin later this year.
The D’Tigress, seven‑time African champions, arrived in Lyon at the weekend and have been training under head coach Rena Wakama, blending experienced leaders like captain Amy Okonkwo, Ezinne Kalu, Promise Amukamara and Elizabeth Balogun with rising talents in their 12‑player squad.
While 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 offers valuable competitive exposure ahead of the main event and a chance to test strategies against top international opposition.
After today’s opener against Colombia, the D’Tigress will face South Korea on March 12, the Philippines on March 14, hosts France on March 15, and Germany on March 17 as they seek strong performances and continued growth on the global stage.
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