Barton Cougars Vera Ojenuwa and Regina Donanu recently competed for the 21-player Nigerian women's national basketball team May 2 against Caitlin Clark's Indiana Fever WNBA team.
Ojenuwa and Donanu had an opportunity to prove themselves among seasoned professionals and experienced international players.
Ojenuwa scored eight points in a 105-57 loss to the Indiana Fever. Nigeria lost 88-79 to the Minnesota Lynx April 27 at Kansas City, Mo. The Los Angeles Sparks beat Nigeria 89-63. Nigeria is the first African national team to face a WNBA team.
"Having one player from our program playing for Nigeria is great, but having two players from little ‘ole Barton Community College be selected is amazing," said Barton Cougar women's basketball coach Alan Clark.
Clark believes Donanu and Ojenuwa is a testament to Barton's player development. For Ojenuwa, it reinforces her progression from junior college basketball to the SEC and the international stage.
Ojenuwa played for Georgia last season after averaging 17 ppg and 11 rpg for the Cougars in 2024-2025. Donanu averaged 17 ppg for Barton.
Ojenuwa played for the Cougars during the 2023–2024 seasons before moving to Georgia. The Cougars make a shift for Nigeria’s national team which has chosen NCAA-based players.
Nigeria’s preparations began with a training camp in San Diego, where players are adjusting to international systems, building chemistry, and preparing for elite competition.
D’Tigress welcomed the games against three WNBA teams to see the speed, physicality, and tactical sophistication of the WNBA.
Nigeria’ will compete in the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup.
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.
Both players are chasing personal goals while contributing to a new era for D’Tigress—one defined by youth, ambition, and global opportunity.
