D’Tigress Set Sights On Improved World Cup Performance After Mixed Qualifiers

Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, have expressed determination to deliver an improved performance at the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup following a challenging outing in the qualifying series. According to reports, the African champions concluded the tournament with two victories and three defeats, securing wins against Colombia and the Philippines while losing to South Korea, France and Germany. Despite the mixed results, their qualification for the global showpiece had already been confirmed after winning the 2025 Women’s AfroBasket title.

Head coach Rena Wakama noted that the intense schedule provided valuable experience for the team, emphasizing that the level of competition would ultimately strengthen their preparations. She acknowledged the physical demands of playing five games in seven days but maintained that the exposure would help the squad improve ahead of the World Cup.

Guard Elizabeth Balogun also highlighted the importance of continuous development, stressing that the team would focus on reviewing performances, building on strengths, and addressing weaknesses as they prepare for the tournament in September. She added that the objective remains steady growth both individually and collectively.

However, Wakama pointed out areas that require urgent attention, particularly slow starts and lapses in decision-making during crucial moments. She called for greater focus, improved energy levels at the beginning of games, and more consistency, noting that recurring breakdowns in previously addressed areas must be corrected.

The competition is scheduled to take place in Berlin from September 4 to 13, with the draw set for April 21 at Kraftwerk Berlin. Nigeria, which previously competed in the tournament in 2006 and 2018, will be aiming for a deeper run this time.

As part of their preparations, D’Tigress are set to face Minnesota Lynx in the United States in April, marking a historic encounter that will see an African national team take on a WNBA franchise for the first time.