D'Tigress announces 21-player roster for WNBA friendlies, eyes Berlin World Cup
Nigeria's senior women's basketball team D'Tigress has unveiled a 21-player training camp roster ahead of high-profile friendlies against WNBA sides Los Angeles Sparks (April 25), Minnesota Lynx (April 27), and Indiana Fever (May 2). The squad, named by head coach Rena Wakama, blends experienced stars like Ezinne Kalu, Promise Amukamara, and Victoria Macaulay with emerging talents including Oluchi Okananwa and Stephanie Okechukwu.
These games represent a critical step beyond Nigeria's African dominance as D'Tigress prepares for the 2026 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup in Berlin (September 4-13). The friendlies offer a rare chance to measure depth, integrate new players, and sharpen tactical identity against elite global competition. Notable absences include captain Amy Okonkwo (Dallas Wings), Elizabeth Balogun (Toronto Tempo), and Murjanatu Musa, highlighting growing international demand for Nigerian talent.
For basketball fans, these matches serve as key measuring sticks for Nigeria's World Cup preparations. Watch how the team adapts to WNBA-level pace and physicality - performance here will directly impact Berlin aspirations. The roster shows Wakama's commitment to both sustaining excellence and building for future success.