Nigeria’s standout forward Victoria Macaulay has earned global recognition after being named in the All-Star Five at the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Qualifying Tournament 2026 held in Lyon, France.
The selection places the Nigerian star among the five best players of the tournament, following a series of impressive performances for Nigeria’s senior women’s national team, D’Tigress, during the high-level international competition.
Macaulay’s inclusion in the elite lineup came after she emerged as one of Nigeria’s most consistent performers throughout the tournament, contributing significantly on both ends of the court. She averaged 15.3 points, six rebounds and 2.5 assists per game, leading the Nigerian side statistically across the competition.
Her campaign was highlighted by several standout displays, including a 22-point performance against South Korea and a solid 13-point, six-rebound showing in Nigeria’s opening win over Colombia. Even in matches against stronger opponents such as host France and Germany, Macaulay remained a key offensive threat and defensive presence in the paint.
At the conclusion of the tournament, Macaulay was selected alongside tournament Most Valuable Player Janelle Salaün, as well as Marine Johannès of France, Leeseul Kang of Korea, and Frieda Bühner of Germany in the competition’s All-Star Five.
