D'Tigress line up historic US tests against WNBA giants ahead of World Cup
Reigning African champions, Nigeria’s D’Tigress, are set for a defining moment on the international stage as they take on WNBA sides Los Angeles Sparks and Minnesota Lynx in a series of high-profile pre-season games in the United States this April.
The fixtures form part of preparations for the new WNBA season, but more significantly, offer the Nigerian team a rare opportunity to measure their strength against some of the world’s top club sides.
D’Tigress will open their tour against the Los Angeles Sparks on April 25 at the Viejas Arena in San Diego before facing the Minnesota Lynx two days later at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City.
Beyond the results, both encounters carry historic weight. It will be the first time D’Tigress face either franchise and a rare crossover between a reigning continental national team and established WNBA clubs, an indication of the rising global profile and competitiveness of women’s basketball.
Leading the team is head coach Rena Wakama, whose growing reputation is backed by her experience within the WNBA system, currently serving on the coaching staff of the Chicago Sky while also featuring in the Unrivalled league.
The squad itself boasts valuable league exposure. Amy Okonkwo suited up for the Dallas Wings last season, Ezinne Kalu has previously featured for the Atlanta Dream, while Murjanatu Musa earned a spot in the Connecticut Sun’s training camp further bridging the gap between Nigerian talent and the American game.
For D’Tigress, these games go beyond exhibition value. They represent a crucial step in fine-tuning the team against elite opposition as they build towards the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Berlin, scheduled for September 4 to 13.
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