Grace Efosa, a prominent figure in the Providence College women's basketball program, has earned a significant achievement by being selected for Nigeria’s official 12-player roster for the upcoming 2026 FIBA World Cup. The tournament is scheduled to take place from September 4 to September 13 in Berlin, Germany, marking a major milestone in her basketball career.
With this selection, Efosa becomes only the second player in the history of Providence College women's basketball to participate in a FIBA World Cup, and she is the third overall Friar to represent the school on this prestigious international stage. Her predecessor, Jovana Nogic, played for Serbia in the 2022 Women’s World Cup, where she averaged 10.2 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game. Additionally, Tuukka Kotti represented Finland in the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup, highlighting the school's growing legacy in international basketball.
During her five seasons with the Friars from 2020 to 2025, Efosa made a significant impact on the court, accumulating a total of 1,115 points. Her performance earned her a spot on the All-BIG EAST Second Team in her final year. Notably, she was the first Friar since 1993 to be named to the Big East All-Tournament Team, showcasing her talent and determination. Throughout her collegiate career, Efosa reached double figures in scoring 54 times, including 10 games where she scored 20 or more points. In her last two seasons, she averaged over 12.5 points per game, peaking at a career-best 13.4 points per game in the 2024-25 season.
After concluding her college career, Efosa embarked on her professional journey, signing her first contract to play in Turkey. She has since joined Saint-Amand Hainaut Basket, also known as the Green Girls, located in Saint-Amand-les-Eaux, France, furthering her development as an athlete.
Nigeria enters the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup with a strong ranking, sitting at No. 8 in the world. The D’Tigress, as the Nigerian women's national team is known, will compete in Group B alongside Hungary, South Korea, and France. Their opening match is set against South Korea on Friday, September 4, at 8:30 a.m., a crucial game that will set the tone for their tournament journey.
Efosa's selection for the Nigerian national team not only highlights her individual talent but also reflects the growing prominence of Providence College in producing athletes capable of competing on the world stage. As she prepares to don the national colors, her journey from college basketball to international competition serves as an inspiration to many aspiring athletes.
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