D’Tigress name final 12 for 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup squad

Nigeria have confirmed their final 12-player squad for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup, with Amy Okonkwo appointed captain. The tournament will be the D’Tigress’ third appearance at the World Cup, following their participation in 2006 and 2018.

Head coach Rena Wakama selected Promise Amukamara, Jordan Obi, Elizabeth Balogun, Murjanatu Musa, Pallas Kunaiyi, Rita Igbokwe, Victoria Macaulay, Ezinne Kalu, Shay Ijiwoye, Nicole Enabosi, Amy Okonkwo and Grace Efosa.

Amukamara and Kalu are the only players in the squad who were also part of Nigeria’s 2018 World Cup team. Their selection for the 2026 edition means they will become the first Nigerian players to feature at two FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cups.

Nigeria reached the quarter-finals in 2018, becoming the first African team to reach that stage of the competition. The D’Tigress enter this tournament as reigning African champions.

Wakama’s team has been placed in Group B with Hungary, Korea Republic and France. Nigeria will open their campaign against Korea Republic at Berlin Arena on Friday, September 4.

The D’Tigress will face Hungary at Max-Schmeling-Halle the following day before completing the group stage against France at Berlin Arena on Monday, September 7. The World Cup is scheduled to run in Berlin from September 4 to 13, and Nigeria arrived in the German capital on Wednesday ahead of the competition.