Sports
D’Tigress Unveil 21-Player Roster for U.S. Tour, WNBA Friendlies
ABUJA, Nigeria — Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, have announced a 21-player roster for their upcoming training camp and WNBA tour in the United States as preparations intensify for a packed international schedule.
The team will open its training camp on April 18 in Los Angeles, where players are expected to fine-tune strategies ahead of high-profile exhibition games against top WNBA sides.
Blend of Experience and Youth
The roster features a strong mix of seasoned internationals and emerging prospects, with key players such as Ezinne Kalu, Promise Amukamara and Victoria Macaulay leading the squad.
Other players named include Shay Ijiwoye, Donanu Regina, Jerni Kiaku, Oluchi Okananwa, Gabby White, Nora Ezike, Vivian Iwuchukwu, Pallas Kunaiyi-Akpanah, Suzie Rafiu, Danielle Osho, Nicole Enabosi, Maryam Dauda, Rita Igbokwe, Stephanie Okechukwu, Uche Izoje, Vera Ojenuwa, Favour Nwaedoziri and Blessing Ejiofor.
Key Absences
The team will be without captain Amy Okonkwo, who is unavailable after securing a training camp contract with the Dallas Wings. Elizabeth Balogun and Murjanatu Musa also miss out due to club commitments.
Fresh Faces to Watch
Among the standout inclusions is Okananwa, who recently confirmed her international allegiance to Nigeria and is set for her senior debut.
Eighteen-year-old Danielle Osho also earns a call-up as she continues her development in collegiate basketball, while Stephanie Okechukwu—recognized as the tallest player in NCAA women’s basketball history—adds a unique dimension to the squad.
Uche Izoje is another player drawing attention after an impressive debut season marked by strong performances in scoring, rebounding, and defense.
WNBA Tour Schedule
D’Tigress will face three WNBA teams during the tour, starting with the Los Angeles Sparks on April 25. They will then take on the Minnesota Lynx on April 27, before rounding off the tour against the Indiana Fever on May 2.
The clash against the Lynx is particularly notable, marking only the fourth time a WNBA franchise has faced an international team.
Road to the World Cup
The U.S. tour forms part of Nigeria’s preparations for the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup, scheduled to take place in Berlin from September 4 to 13. The official draw will be held on April 21 at Kraftwerk Berlin.
D’Tigress head into the competition after a mixed run in the March qualifiers, securing wins over Colombia and the Philippines but suffering defeats to South Korea, France and Germany.
Despite the mixed results, Nigeria had already sealed qualification for the tournament following their triumph at the Women’s AfroBasket, with recent fixtures serving as part of their broader build-up.
