This is Alan Clark, Barton Women’s Basketball Having one player from our program would have been great, but having two players from little ‘ole Barton Community College be selected is amazing. For Barton Community College standout Regina Donanu and former Cougar, now University of Georgia forward Vera Ojenuwa, the journey from collegiate basketball to the international stage has taken a major leap forward in 2026. Both players have earned selection to Nigeria women's national basketball team—a program widely regarded as the dominant force in African women’s basketball—and are now part of a historic U.S. training camp and exhibition tour against WNBA competition. Donanu, currently developing her game at Barton, and Ojenuwa, who played for the Cougars during the 2023–24 season before moving to Georgia, are among a new wave of collegiate talent infused into Nigeria’s national team setup. Their inclusion reflects a broader shift toward youth and NCAA-based players within the D’Tigress roster. Both athletes were named to a 21-player roster assembled for a high-level training camp in Southern California, part of Nigeria’s preparations for upcoming global competitions. The team’s preparation began with a training camp in the San Diego area, where players are adjusting to international systems, building chemistry, and preparing for elite competition. The camp represents a crucial evaluation period as coaches assess combinations and player roles ahead of major tournaments. For Donanu and Ojenuwa, the camp is more than just preparation—it’s an opportunity to prove themselves among seasoned professionals and experienced internationals. Following camp, D’Tigress embarked on a groundbreaking exhibition tour against three WNBA franchises: • Los Angeles Sparks 89-63 • Minnesota Lynx 88-79 kc, mo april 27; 11; 5 • Indiana Fever 105-57 may 2; 8 pts against caitlin clark The tour opened against the Sparks, marking a historic milestone—Nigeria became the first African national team to face a WNBA franchise. They followed with matchups against the Lynx and Fever, providing rare exposure to the speed, physicality, and tactical sophistication of the world’s top professional league. These games are not just exhibitions—they are critical steps in Nigeria’s preparation for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup. The tour allows emerging players like Donanu and Ojenuwa to gain invaluable experience against elite competition while integrating into the national team structure. For Barton Community College, having two athletes connected to the program reach this level is a testament to its player development pipeline. For Ojenuwa, it reinforces her progression from junior college basketball to the SEC and now the international stage. Wearing the green and white of Nigeria carries significance beyond basketball. Donanu and Ojenuwa represent a growing global connection between African basketball and the American collegiate system—a pathway that continues to elevate talent on both sides. As they compete against WNBA teams and train alongside some of Nigeria’s best, both players are not only chasing personal milestones but also contributing to a new era for D’Tigress—one defined by youth, ambition, and global opportunity.