Nigeria internationals Amy Okonkwo and Elizabeth Balogun have earned training camp contracts ahead of the 2026 Women’s National Basketball Association season as they target spots on final team rosters.
Okonkwo has been re-signed by the Dallas Wings, who included her among four players invited to training camp as they prepare for the new campaign.
The Nigerian forward previously made her WNBA debut with the Wings in 2025, appearing in eight games under hardship and rest-of-season contracts. She impressed during her stint, averaging 11.0 points, 3.1 rebounds, 0.8 assists and 1.4 steals per game, including five double-digit scoring performances. Her best outing came in September when she scored a career-high 20 points against the Phoenix Mercury.
Okonkwo also arrives in camp in strong form following a productive spell in Turkey with Beşiktaş, where she averaged 14.9 points per game, alongside solid rebounding and defensive numbers. The two-time Olympian and captain of Nigeria’s D’Tigress has also won back-to-back AfroBasket MVP awards.
Balogun, on the other hand, has secured a training camp deal with the expansion side Toronto Tempo, joining several other players as the club builds its roster ahead of its debut season.
Known for her versatility, athleticism, and defensive strength, she brings international experience and will compete for a place in a highly competitive squad.
Training camp contracts are short-term deals that allow players to participate in pre-season activities without guaranteeing a place on the final roster, giving teams an opportunity to assess talent before the regular season begins.
WNBA training camps open on April 19, with the pre-season scheduled to tip off on April 25, while the 2026 season begins on May 8.
Both players will now aim to impress during camp and secure full contracts as they continue to strengthen Nigeria’s presence in elite women’s basketball.
