D’Tigress Name 21 Players for U.S Training Tour
Last update: April 16, 2026
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D’Tigress announce 21-player squad for a US training camp and exhibition tour...
Nigeria’s women’s national basketball team, D’Tigress, have announced a 21-player roster for a training camp and exhibition tour in the United States as preparations intensify for a busy international calendar.
CBI News reports that the camp is scheduled to begin in Los Angeles on April 18, where the team will fine-tune tactics ahead of a series of high-profile friendly matches against WNBA opposition.
The roster features experienced players including Ezinne Kalu, Promise Amukamara and Victoria Macaulay, alongside a mix of emerging talents.
Other invited players are 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 tied to a training camp contract with the Dallas Wings.
Elizabeth Balogun and Murjanatu Musa are also unavailable due to club commitments.
One of the standout inclusions is Oluchi Okananwa, who recently committed her international future to Nigeria and is expected to make her senior debut.
Teenager Danielle Osho, 18, also earns a call-up after an impressive rise in college basketball, while Stephanie Okechukwu, noted as the tallest player in NCAA women’s basketball history, adds significant height to the squad.
Uche Izoje also joins following a strong debut season.
The US tour will begin with a game against the Los Angeles Sparks on April 25, followed by fixtures against the Minnesota Lynx on April 27 and the Indiana Fever on May 2.
The clash with the Lynx marks only the fourth time a WNBA team will face an international side, underlining the scale of the challenge for D’Tigress.
The tour is part of preparations for the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup scheduled for September 4 to 13 in Berlin.
The tournament draw will hold on April 21 at Kraftwerk Berlin.
Nigeria enter the build-up following a mixed run in the March qualifiers, recording wins over Colombia and the Philippines but suffering defeats to South Korea, France, and Germany.
However, their World Cup place had already been secured after winning the Women’s AfroBasket, with the qualifiers serving as additional preparation.
