D'Tigress head coach Rena Wakama revealed a 21‑player squad on Monday, setting the stage for a two‑part preparation programme ahead of the 2026 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup. The roster, which includes veterans Ezinne Kalu, Promise Amukamara and Victoria Macaulay, will report to a training camp that begins on Saturday.
The camp will transition into a high‑profile tour of the United States, where the African champions are scheduled to face three WNBA franchises. The first encounter comes against the Los Angeles Sparks on 25 April, followed by a clash with the Minnesota Lynx on 27 April, and a final game versus the Indiana Fever on 2 May. Each matchup is intended to sharpen the team's tactics and gauge its readiness for the World Cup, which will be hosted in Berlin from 4 to 13 September.
Wakama's selection emphasizes a blend of experience and youth, with the three Nigerian stars highlighted as key contributors. The exposure to WNBA competition is expected to elevate the squad's intensity and provide valuable insight into the playing styles they may encounter on the global stage.
The United States tour marks the most extensive overseas preparation D'Tigress has undertaken in recent years, underscoring the federation's commitment to a deep run at the 2026 tournament.
The decision to pit D'Tigress against three WNBA teams, rather than a single exhibition opponent, signals a bold confidence in the squad's depth and adaptability.
Facing the Los Angeles Sparks, Minnesota Lynx and Indiana Fever within a week will force the Nigerian‑led core to adjust to varying tempos and defensive schemes, accelerating the team's tactical cohesion ahead of the World Cup.
For Nigerian supporters, the inclusion of Ezinne Kalu, Promise Amukamara and Victoria Macaulay offers a direct link to the national basketball narrative, showcasing home‑grown talent on a global platform and potentially raising the profile of women's basketball back home.
The next milestone will be the World Cup draw in Berlin; how the lessons from the U.S. tour translate into group‑stage performance will be the story to watch.
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