Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, are preparing for a landmark encounter as they face the Los Angeles Sparks of the WNBA in a high-profile preseason friendly. This will be the first time an African national team faces a WNBA franchise.
Historic First-Ever Meeting in San Diego
The much-anticipated matchup is scheduled for Saturday, April 25, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. PT at the Viejas Arena on the campus of San Diego State University.
This game marks the Sparks’ return to San Diego since 2010 and represents a significant milestone for Nigerian basketball. Two days later, D’Tigress will also take on the Minnesota Lynx on April 27 in Kansas City.
San Diego State Basketball – Viejas Arena – YouTube
Key Preparations for the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup
The US tour forms a crucial part of D’Tigress’ build-up to the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Berlin (September 4–13, 2026). The World Cup draw is set for April 21, 2026.
As reigning five-time AfroBasket champions, D’Tigress have earned global respect through years of dominance, discipline, and consistency. Their recent World Cup qualifiers showed promising signs of progress against top-ranked teams.
Coach Rena Wakama and Players Speak on Team Spirit
Head coach Rena Wakama expressed pride in the team’s resilience: “I am super proud of the fight… Having faith. If no one else believes in us, I believe in us.” She described the squad as a veteran, professional unit ready for bigger challenges.
D’Tigress Okonkwo with comeback win over Senegal
Forward Pallas Kunaiyi Akpanah highlighted the narrow margins against elite sides: “Seven points means you are right there… It felt like progress.”
Guard Amy Okonkwo added:
“One thing about this group is that regardless of what is going on, we are still going to show up and prepare… We know we still have way more in the tank.”
Nigeria Basketball Federation President Musa Kida welcomed the opportunity:
“D’Tigress have earned global respect… Competing against a premier WNBA franchise further validates our position on the world stage.”
A Major Step in Global Exposure
The friendlies against top WNBA opposition will give Coach Wakama and her technical team the chance to test tactics, assess depth, and build experience against world-class professionals.
D’Tigress enter the clash as Africa’s dominant force, carrying the momentum of their record fifth consecutive AfroBasket title and strong performances in recent international windows.
