FIBA Women’s World Cup: Nigeria unveils squad, set for opener

Nigeria’s D’Tigress have officially confirmed their roster for the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026, as they prepare to battle in Group B alongside Hungary, Korea, and France.

Head coach Rena Wakama, assisted by Wani Muganguzi, named a 12-woman squad blending experience and youth as Nigeria eyes another deep run on the global stage. The roster reads: Amy Okonkwo at forward wearing number 0, Grace Efosa-Aguebor as shooting guard in number 1, Pallas Kunaiyi anchoring the center position with number 3, Elizabeth Balogun at guard wearing number 4, Jordan Obi rounding out the forward line in number 5, Promise Amukamara running the point in number 10, Maryam Dauda at power forward with number 15, Murjanatu Musa at forward wearing number 20, Ezinne Kalu also at point guard in number 23, Victoria Macaulay manning the center spot in number 25, Rita Igbokwe adding further center depth in number 32, and Nicole Enabosi completing the squad at forward in number 33.

With the tournament field set at 16 nations split into four groups, Nigeria will need a top-two finish in Group B to guarantee a path forward — group winners advance straight to the Quarter-Finals, while second- and third-placed sides are routed into a single-elimination Qualification round, where Group B’s survivors will cross paths with Group A’s Japan, Spain, Germany, and Mali.

Nigeria begins her group-stage campaign against Korea, a matchup pitting two contrasting styles against one another. Korea have traditionally leaned on quick ball movement, disciplined shooting, and a fast-paced perimeter game, while Nigeria’s size advantage down low headlined by the trio of Kunaiyi, Macaulay, and Igbokwe, they could prove decisive on the glass and in the paint. Much may hinge on whether Korea’s guards can push the tempo and pull Nigeria’s bigs away from the basket, against a D’Tigress backcourt led by Kalu and Amukamara that will look to control possessions and feed the interior. A physical, tone-setting contest awaits, with both sides eager to build early momentum in Group B.

D’Tigress fans will be hoping this squad can replicate — or improve on — the nation’s recent history as Africa’s flagship women’s basketball program heading into the World Cup.

The Squad:

Amy Okonkwo — Forward (0)

Grace Efosa-Aguebor — Shooting Guard (1)

Pallas Kunaiyi — Center (3)

Elizabeth Balogun — Guard (4)

Jordan Obi — Forward (5)

Promise Amukamara — Point Guard (10)

Maryam Dauda — Power Forward (15)

Murjanatu Musa — Forward (20)

Ezinne Kalu — Point Guard (23)

Victoria Macaulay — Center (25)

Rita Igbokwe — Center (32)