Nigeria D'Tigress draw France, South Korea, Hungary for 2026 FIBA Women's World Cup Group B
Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, has been placed in Group B for the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026 alongside France, South Korea and Hungary. The draw, announced recently, pits the eighth‑ranked Nigerians against second‑ranked France and 15th‑ranked South Korea—both teams that beat Nigeria in the World Cup Qualifying Tournament in Lyon earlier this year. Nigeria lost 93–86 to France and 77–60 to South Korea, results that now serve as extra motivation for redemption.
The tournament will be held in Germany from 4 to 13 September 2026, featuring 16 teams competing for the title. Analysts describe Group B as one of the more open pools, with Hungary ranked 19th completing the quartet. Under head coach Rena Wakama, D’Tigress have named a 21‑player training camp squad blending experienced stars such as Ezinne Kalu, Promise Amukamara and Victoria Macaulay with emerging talents. The team is also scheduled to play high‑profile friendlies against WNBA sides including the Los Angeles Sparks, Minnesota Lynx and Indiana Fever.
Having dominated African basketball with multiple AfroBasket titles, Nigeria now seeks to translate that success onto the global stage. With recent defeats still fresh, the upcoming clashes against France and South Korea offer a clear path to the knockout rounds and an opportunity to prove growth against elite opposition.
Will the D’Tigress use this rematch to secure a quarter‑final berth, or will they need to rely on performances against Hungary to advance?