The Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) has officially announced a 20-player provisional roster for the senior women’s national basketball team, D’Tigress, ahead of the 2025 FIBA Women’s Afrobasket tournament scheduled to be held this summer in Ivory Coast.
The selection features a blend of seasoned veterans, emerging talents, and exciting returnees, as Nigeria aims to defend their continental crown and chase a record-extending fifth consecutive Afrobasket title.
Topping the roster are Ezinne Kalu and Promise Amukamara, two of the most dependable and experienced players who were instrumental in D’Tigress’ title-winning campaign at the 2023 Afrobasket in Kigali, Rwanda. Also returning is Amy Okonkwo, the high-flying forward who has been a standout performer for Turkish club Besiktas.
Key frontcourt players Nicole Enabosi and Lauren Ebo have been retained, providing size and athleticism in the paint. In a significant boost to the squad, Victoria Macaulay, a dominant post presence makes her long-anticipated return to the national team setup.
Among the new and returning faces is Solape Amusan, who earns just her second call-up to the national side, while Grace Efosa has been handed her debut invitation by head coach Rena Wakama.
The list also includes trusted defensive anchors like Pallas Kunaiyi-Akpanah and Murjanatu Musa, who bring energy, grit, and rebounding prowess. Perimeter threats and versatile forwards such as Elizabeth Balogun, Ifunaya Okoro, Olawuyi Adenike, and Christabel Ezumah are also in the mix.
Rounding out the squad are Vera Ojenuwa, Izoje Uche, Gift Uchenna, Ugonne Onyiah, Blessing Ejiofor, and Abiodun Damilola Yusuf, a group of promising athletes expected to fight for their place in the final roster.
Coach Rena Wakama, who guided D’Tigress to their fourth straight Afrobasket crown last year, will once again lead the team into battle as Nigeria looks to cement its dominance in African women’s basketball.
With camp set to begin soon, the coaching staff will evaluate the players through a series of training sessions and friendly matches before trimming the list down to the final squad that will represent Nigeria in Abidjan, where the competition is expected to draw the best teams from across the continent.
The 2025 edition of the FIBA Women’s Afrobasket marks another critical chapter in D’Tigress’ remarkable journey, and fans will be eagerly watching as the reigning champions prepare to extend their legacy with yet another historic triumph.
