Photo Credit: Ezinne Kalu / Web – as credited by Punch Newspapers
W’Cup: Kalu Calls on Fans to Storm Berlin for D’Tigress

D’Tigress star guard Ezinne Kalu has called on Nigerians living in and around Berlin, Germany, to turn out in large numbers to support the team at the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup, which tips off on Friday.

The 34-year-old, who plays for Zhejiang Golden Bulls, has been a key figure for Nigeria for a decade since making her debut at the 2016 FIBA Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament. Since then, she has won five straight Women’s AfroBasket titles with D’Tigress in 2017, 2019, 2021, 2023 and 2025.

Kalu, who is set for her second World Cup appearance after featuring at Spain 2018 where she averaged 10.6 points, 3 rebounds and 4.1 assists as Nigeria reached the quarter-finals, wants the support to count in Berlin.

“We are heading to Berlin for the World Cup, and we need our people there to support us. So we need every Nigerian near Berlin to come through. Bring your flag, your voice and energy,” Kalu said.

D’Tigress head into the tournament as reigning African champions after beating Mali 78-64 in the final of the 2025 AfroBasket to secure a fifth consecutive title. The team is also coming off a historic outing at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where they became the first African team ever to reach the quarter-finals of the Olympic Games.

Nigeria booked their ticket to the 2026 World Cup by winning the 2025 AfroBasket. They later took part in the qualifying tournament in Lyon-Villeurbanne, France, where they struggled with three losses in five games.

This will be Nigeria’s third appearance at the Women’s World Cup after 2006 and 2018, with their best finish being 8th place in 2018. D’Tigress will open their Group campaign against South Korea on Friday, face Hungary on Saturday, and play France in their final group game on Monday.
Source: Punch Newspapers –