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Defending African Champions Nigeria women’s national basketball team, D’Tigresa, They have started their campaign in the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026 qualifying tournament with a historic inaugural clash against Colombian women’s basketball team. in Lyon, France.
The long-awaited confrontation will take place in the Villeurbanne sports stadiumwhere Nigeria’s basketball queens aim to maintain their reputation as one of the most formidable forces in global women’s basketball.
Having dominated African women’s basketball in recent years, D’Tigress now aims to translate that success to the world stage.
D’Tigress determined to achieve total dominance
In a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by Daniel KolaSpecial Assistant for Media in the Office of the Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), the team expressed confidence before the opening match.
According to the statement, Nigeria’s players believe the match against Colombia provides the perfect opportunity to build momentum as they prepare for the World Cup later this year.
The statement said:
“The Nigerian girls, who have a reputation for improving with every match in competitions, are determined not to underestimate their relatively unknown South American opponents, who are eager to reach their second Women’s World Cup in Germany later this year.”
The match will also produce a historic moment when both nations face off. for the first time in women’s basketball.
“The result of today’s game in Lyon will definitely have a special historic result as both countries meet for the first time in the history of women’s basketball.”
A difficult schedule awaits Nigeria in Lyon
The African champions arrived in Lyon over the weekend to complete their final preparations for the tournament.
Coach Wakama traveled with a squad of 12 playerswho are expected to champion Nigeria’s growing status in international basketball.
After the opening match against Colombia, the Nigerian team faces a demanding schedule in the round-robin tournament:
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Colombia – March 11
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South Korea women’s national basketball team – March 12
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Philippines women’s national basketball team – March 14
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France women’s national basketball team – March 15
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Germany women’s national basketball team – March 17
In total, 24 national teams are competing through four world qualifying tournaments for the remaining places in the Berlin World Cup.
A total of 60 games It will be played in a round-robin format in all qualifying competitions.
In most tournaments, the the three best teams qualify for the World Cup. However, because host nation Germany and continental champions Nigeria already have automatic qualification, 11 additional teams will progress of the playoffs.
Wakama concentrated despite automatic qualification
head coach Rena Wakama has made it clear that Nigeria faces the tournament with full concentration despite having already secured qualification for the World Cup as African champions.
Nigeria obtained automatic qualification after winning the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket 2025 in Ivory Coast.
However, Wakama is using the tournament as an opportunity to check the team’s preparation ahead of the main competition in Berlin.
The qualifiers will serve as preparation for the World Cup to be held in Germany from September 4 to 13.
Nigeria will rely heavily on its experienced stars during the competition.
Two of the most outstanding players on the team, Ezinne Kalu and Amy Okonkwohave been named among the top ten players to watch in the tournament.
According to the NSC statement:
“Two of Nigeria’s top stars, Ezinne Kalu and Amy Okonkwo, have been named among the top ten players to watch in the tournament as D’Tigress hopes to continue her undefeated streak since the FIBA Afrobasket 2025 in Ivory Coast.”
Colombia rises in world basketball
While Nigeria enters the game as favourites, officials have warned against underestimating Colombia.
The South American part has made significant progress in recent years and is now classified 19 in the worldafter a jump 11 places in the latest FIBA ranking.
The NSC statement noted:
“Colombia has been showing impressive signs in recent years when it comes to women’s basketball in the South American region, becoming one of the top 20 countries in the latest FIBA rankings after a jump of 11 spots to 19th in the latest world rankings.”
The XE Jet association promotes the D’Tigress campaign
Meanwhile, the team’s campaign has received a significant boost off the pitch through a strategic partnership between the Nigerian Basketball Federation and aviation services company Jet XE.
The association includes support for travel and aviation logisticsensuring the team enjoys smooth travel arrangements and high safety standards during international competitions.
president of the Nigerian Basketball Federation, Musa Kidadescribed the partnership as a big boost for Nigerian basketball.
He noted that the collaboration reflects the growing confidence of corporate organizations in the Nigerian sports sector.
According to Kida, D’Tigress’ consistent success on the international stage has made them worthy ambassadors of the country.
The federation also confirmed that XE Jet will host a Reception of women in sports leadership in Lyonwhich brings together leaders from sport, diplomacy and business to strengthen collaboration around African sport and promote women’s participation.
As the journey towards Berlin 2026 begins, the mission of the African champions is demonstrate once again that D’Tigress belongs to the elite of world basketball.
