- D’Tigress Unveil 21-Player Squad For US Training Camp, Friendlies
- Team to face WNBA sides in preparation friendlies
- Nigeria intensifies build-up for FIBA Women’s World Cup
Nigeria’s women’s national basketball team, D’Tigress, have unveiled a 21-player roster for a training camp and exhibition tour in the United States as preparations intensify for a busy international calendar.
The team will open camp in Los Angeles on April 18, where players are expected to fine-tune tactics ahead of high-profile friendly matches against WNBA sides.
EDITOR’S PICKS
- JAMB Delists 23 CBT Centres, Warns 89 After Mock UTME Review
- NASA Astronauts Return to Earth After First Human Trip to the Moon in 50 Years
- INEC Shifts Nationwide Voter Revalidation Until After 2027 General Election
EKO HOT BLOG reports that key players such as Ezinne Kalu, Promise Amukamara and Victoria Macaulay headline a squad that combines experienced internationals with emerging talents.
Others named in the squad 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.
The team will, however, be without captain Amy Okonkwo, who is currently engaged with the Dallas Wings training camp. Elizabeth Balogun and Murjanatu Musa are also unavailable due to club commitments.
Oluchi Okananwa is among the standout call-ups after committing her international future to Nigeria and is expected to make her senior debut. Teen prospect Danielle Osho, 18, also earns a place, while Stephanie Okechukwu adds physical strength to the squad. Uche Izoje has also been rewarded following an impressive debut season.
D’Tigress will begin their tour against the Los Angeles Sparks on April 25, before facing the Minnesota Lynx on April 27 and the Indiana Fever on May 2. The fixture against the Lynx will mark only the fourth time a WNBA franchise has played against an international team.
The tour is 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 tournament draw will be held on April 21.
Nigeria heads into the build-up after a mixed performance during the March qualifiers, recording wins against Colombia and the Philippines, but suffering defeats to South Korea, France and Germany. The team had already secured qualification after winning the Women’s AfroBasket.
