D’Tigress Begin Title Defense Preparations Ahead of 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket

By Nonso Arinze

As the countdown begins to the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Championship in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) has officially announced the preliminary squad for the senior women’s national basketball team, D’Tigress.

The team has commenced preparations in earnest, laying out a roadmap that includes an intensive training camp and a series of structured activities, notably the much-anticipated Homecoming Games.

These exhibition matches will not only celebrate the team’s recent successes but also serve as a critical phase in evaluating player readiness and final roster decisions.

Reigning champions of Africa, D’Tigress will be aiming to defend their title and extend Nigeria’s dominance on the continental stage.

According to the NBBF, every effort is being made to assemble the most competitive team possible.

“We are committed to building a squad that reflects our strength, ambition, and winning mentality.

The goal is clear to bring the AfroBasket title back home again,” the federation said.

Preliminary Squad List:
Precious Amukamara- PG (1), Ezinne Kalu -PG(1), Ifunaya Okoro- (CG (1,2), Elizabeth Balogun-SG/F (2,3), Grace Efosa-SG/F (2,3), Solape Amusan- G/F(2,3) Abiodun Damilola Yusuf-G/F(2,3), Adenike Olawuyi Olayemi-F(3), Amy Okonkwo- F/PF(3,4), Nicole Enabosi- F/PF (3,4).

Others are, Pallas Kunayi-PF(3,4),Murjanatu Musa-PF(4),Gift Uchenna- PF(4), Victoria Macaulay-PF/C(4,5), Christabel Ezumah-PF/C (5), Izoje Uche- PF/C (5), Lauren Ebo- C (5),Ugonne Onyiah-C (5), Vera Ojenuwa-C(5) and Blessing Ejiofor-C (5).