**D'Tigress Kicks Off Training in France Ahead of W' Cup Qualifiers** Nigeria's women's basketball team, D'Tigress, has begun training in Villeurbanne, France, in preparation for the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup Qualifying Tournament 2026. The seven-time African champions arrived in Lyon on Monday, ahead of the tournament which starts on March 11 and will run until March 17. The team, led by head coach Rena Wakama, is comprised of 12 skilled players, including experienced guards Ezinne Kalu and Promise Amukamara, as well as team captain Amy Okonkwo. Although Nigeria has already secured a spot in the 2026 World Cup in Berlin, this tournament will serve as an opportunity for the team to fine-tune their skills and prepare for the global competition. The D'Tigress will face tough opponents in the qualifiers, including Colombia, South Korea, the Philippines, hosts France, and Germany. According to reports, the team has been working hard in their training sessions, which have included shooting drills and conditioning exercises. Videos shared on social media by the team showed the players in high spirits, with clips of them engaging in their first training session and a gym workout. The team's arrival in France marks the beginning of their preparations for the tournament, and Nigerians will be eagerly watching to see how they perform. It is worth noting that the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup Qualifying Tournament 2026 serves as a crucial preparation ground for teams gearing up for the global tournament scheduled to take place in Germany from September 4 to 13. Nigeria's participation in this tournament is a testament to the country's growing interest in women's basketball, and the team's performance will be closely monitored by fans and basketball enthusiasts in Nigeria.