Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, have confirmed their 16-player roster for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup, with head coach Rena Wakama set to lead the African champions in their latest quest for global success.

The tournament gets underway in Berlin, Germany, on Friday, September 4, with D’Tigress entering the competition among Africa’s leading basketball nations following their continued dominance on the continent.

Wakama has assembled a squad combining established international stars with emerging talents as Nigeria prepare to face some of the world’s strongest teams in the group phase.

The roster includes Amy Okonkwo, Elizabeth Balogun, Ezinne Kalu, Promise Amukamara, Murjanatu Musa, Rita Igbokwe, Jordan Obi, Pallas Kunaiyi-Akpanah and Victoria Macaulay.

Also named in the squad are Grace Efosa-Aguebor, Ifunanya Okoro, Nora Ezike, Nicole Enabosi, Uche Izoje, Maryam Dauda, Gabby White and Idubamo Beggi.

The team will be hoping to translate its remarkable continental record onto the global stage after securing qualification by winning the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket, their fifth consecutive title in the competition.

That unprecedented run has established D’Tigress as the dominant force in African women’s basketball and provided the foundation for another appearance at the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup.

Nigeria will open their World Cup campaign against Korea on September 4, before facing Hungary on September 5 and France on September 7 in the group stage.

The opening fixture against Korea will provide Wakama’s side with an immediate opportunity to make a strong start before the team faces Hungary and France in two potentially decisive group matches.

With a squad containing considerable experience alongside younger players seeking to establish themselves internationally, D’Tigress will be expected to compete strongly against their European and Asian opponents.

The tournament also represents another opportunity for Nigeria to strengthen its position on the international basketball scene and demonstrate the progress made by the women’s national team in recent years.

The players will now turn their attention to the opening game in Berlin, with the coaching staff expected to focus on tactical preparation, defensive organisation and maintaining the intensity that has characterised Nigeria’s success in African basketball.

D’Tigress’ participation will also attract significant attention from Nigerian basketball supporters, who will be hoping the reigning African champions can produce another memorable campaign on the world stage.