Home Basketball Amy Okonkwo Missing as D’Tigress Unveil 21-Player Squad for Historic WNBA Friendlies

Amy Okonkwo Missing as D’Tigress Unveil 21-Player Squad for Historic WNBA Friendlies

Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, have named a 21-player training camp roster ahead of their highly anticipated friendly games against WNBA opposition later this month.

Head coach Rena Wakama has put together a balanced squad that blends experienced campaigners with exciting emerging talents as the African champions prepare for a landmark series against top American teams.

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Among the standout names in the squad are seasoned internationals such as Ezinne Kalu, Promise Amukamara, and Victoria Macaulay, all of whom played key roles in Nigeria’s dominance on the continent.

The roster also offers opportunities to a new generation of players, including Oluchi Okananwa, Stephanie Okechukwu, Uche Izoje, and Danielle Osho, who will be eager to make their mark on the national team setup.

Full Training Camp Roster

Promise Amukamara, Shay Ijiwoye, Donanu Regina, Jerni Kiaku, Ezinne Kalu, Oluchi Okananwa, Gabby White, Nora Ezike, Victoria Macaulay, Vivian Iwuchukwu, Pallas Kunayi-Akpanah, Suzie Rafiu, Danielle Osho, Nicole Enabosi, Maryam Dauda, Rita Igbokwe, Stephanie Okechukwu, Uche Izoje, Vera Ojenuwa, Favour Nwaedozi, Blessing Ejiofor.

WNBA Friendly Schedule

D’Tigress will face a trio of WNBA sides in what promises to be a strong test of their quality and depth:

vs Los Angeles Sparks – April 25
vs Minnesota Lynx – April 27
vs Indiana Fever – May 2

Notable Absentees
Captain Amy Okonkwo is unavailable after securing a training camp contract with the Dallas Wings. Similarly, Elizabeth Balogun (linked with Toronto Tempo) and Murjanatu Musa are also missing, likely due to club commitments.

Building Toward the World Stage

The upcoming friendlies are expected to serve as crucial preparation for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup, where Nigeria will aim to further cement their growing reputation on the global stage.

Beyond results, the series offers Wakama a valuable chance to assess squad depth, integrate new players, and fine-tune tactics against elite-level competition.l

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