Reigning African champions Nigeria’s D’Tigress will open their FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifying Tournament campaign against Colombia on Wednesday at the Villeurbanne Sports Arena in Lyon.
The Nigerian team has steadily built a strong reputation as a rising force in international basketball and sees the clash with Colombia as a chance to gain momentum ahead of the World Cup.
Despite already securing qualification for the main tournament in Berlin, Germany, this September as African champions, Coach Rena Wakama’s side remains determined to deliver an impressive performance throughout the qualifiers.
Renowned for growing stronger with each game, the team is wary of underestimating their South American opponents. Colombia are equally motivated as they aim to book a place at what would be only their second Women’s World Cup.
Wednesday’s matchup in Lyon will also be historic, marking the first-ever meeting between the two nations in women’s basketball.
Colombia have recently made notable progress in South American women’s basketball, climbing 11 places to 19th in the latest FIBA world rankings to break into the top 20.