Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, has been drawn in a tough qualifying group alongside Germany, France, and another European side for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Qualifiers.
The draw, conducted at FIBA headquarters, pits Africa’s top-ranked side against some of Europe’s basketball heavyweights as they aim for a fifth consecutive appearance at the global showpiece.
The qualifiers, set to begin in early 2026, will see D’Tigress compete in a round-robin format, with only the top teams from each group advancing to the World Cup.
Nigeria’s recent dominance on the African stage—winning multiple Afrobasket titles—has fueled optimism, but the team faces a stern test against well-drilled European squads boasting WNBA and EuroLeague stars.
Head coach Rena Wakama expressed confidence in her team’s ability to rise to the occasion, emphasizing discipline, defense, and teamwork as key factors for success. “We respect every opponent, but we believe in our identity and our preparation,” she said.
The qualifiers will also serve as an opportunity for Nigeria’s emerging talents to showcase their skills on the global stage as the team looks to cement its place among the world’s elite.
