Rena Wakama names D’Tigress’ final 12 for the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup as Nigeria prepares for its campaign in Berlin

Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, led by head coach Rena Wakama and captain Amy Okonkwo, has unveiled its final 12-player squad for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Berlin, Germany, on Thursday, September 3, 2026.

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The D’Tigress final 12 combines established internationals with emerging talents as the African champions prepare to make their third appearance at the global tournament.

Nigeria previously featured at the Women’s World Cup in 2006 and 2018. Only Ezinne Kalu and Promise Amukamara remain from the squad that competed at the 2018 edition.

The pair will make history as the only Nigerian players to have appeared at two FIBA Women’s World Cups.

D’Tigress arrived in Berlin on Wednesday ahead of the tournament, which runs from September 4 to 13.

Nigeria has been drawn in Group B alongside Hungary, South Korea and France, setting up a demanding opening phase for Wakama’s side.

The African champions will begin their campaign against the Republic of Korea at the Berlin Arena on Friday, September 4.

Nigeria will then face Hungary at the Max-Schmeling-Halle on Saturday, September 5, before completing the group stage against France at the Berlin Arena on Monday, September 7.

The tournament represents another opportunity for D’Tigress to build on their remarkable progress on the international stage.

At the 2018 World Cup, Nigeria made history by becoming the first African team to reach the quarter-finals of the competition.

Wakama will now look to a carefully balanced squad to produce another memorable campaign, with Okonkwo providing leadership alongside experienced players such as Kalu and Amukamara.

The final squad consists of 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.

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With the opening game against South Korea just hours away, attention will now turn to whether Wakama’s squad can translate its strong preparation into another historic World Cup run.