The Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) has announced a 20-woman preliminary roster for the senior women’s national team, D’Tigress, ahead of their title defence at the 2025 FIBA Women’s Afrobasket Championship.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the federation confirmed that preparations are in full swing as the defending champions get set to compete in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, from July 25 to August 3, 2025.
The provisional list is dominated by power forwards, with eight named — several of whom can also operate as centers — signaling a physical, rebounding-focused strategy as Coach Rena Wakama looks to assemble a formidable team.
Among the standout names is Nicole Enabosi, the 6-foot forward from French top-flight club Chartres Basket Féminin, who has posted an impressive 442 points across all competitions this season.
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She is joined by Pallas Daemi Kunaiyi-Akpannah, a 27-year-old veteran plying her trade in Italy with Faenza Basket Project in Serie A.
Top Turkish side Beşiktaş’s Amy Okonkwo also headlines the forward line, alongside Adenike Olawuyi Olayemi, Abiodun Damilola Yusuf, and Solape Amusan.
Amy Okonkwo last edition MVP. Photo Credit: Getty Images
The team features just two shooting guards: Elizabeth Balogun and Grace Efosa, possibly pointing to a tactical shift emphasizing size and versatility.
Also earning a spot is Lauren Ebo, a standout center from the University of Notre Dame, who was a member of the 2023 ACC regular-season championship team, was named to the Lisa Leslie Award Watch List, and the All-ACC Academic Team.
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The point guard positions are filled by Precious Amukamara, Ezinne Kalu, and Ifunaya Okoro, while the center group includes Ugonne Onyiah, Vera Ojenuwa, and Blessing Ejiofor.
Other power forwards on the list include Murjanatu Musa, Gift Uchenna, Victoria Macaulay, Christabel Ezumah, and Izoje Uche.
D’Tigress will kickstart preparations with international friendlies against Togo and Kenya, two lower-ranked sides selected to provide match fitness and chemistry ahead of the continental showdown.
