PARIS (France) - Olivia Epoupa is the main returnee to the France squad for the FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2023 Qualifiers next month, as recently appointed head coach Jean-Aime Toupane has selected his first candidate list.

The exciting Epoupa missed much of the FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2021 with an injury sustained early in the tournament and that also ruined her dreams of playing at Tokyo 2020. However, the live-wire guard is back, in good form early in the season for BLMA and that is a boost for coach Toupane.

There are two omissions from the team that stepped out at the Olympics and delivered bronze and those are Diandra Tchatchouang and Valeriane Vukosavljevic, with the latter on maternity leave.

After five consecutive finishes as runners-up at the FIBA Women's EuroBasket, the main task is to not only qualify for the 2023 edition in Slovenia and Israel, but also go one step further and claim a first title since way back in 2009.

"A few weeks before November 7, when the national team reunites for training camp, I wanted to build on a base of players who have already had great experience of playing for France," coach Toupane said. 

"At the same time, we want to put in place a sort of simulation at the various positions so to give the chance to everyone to earn their place on the team. I also wanted to call Migna Touré, after discussing it with the coaches of the France 3x3 team, because I think she can contribute at her position." 

Toupane and assistant coach Cathy Melain certainly have plenty of talent at their disposal, as well as a potentially potent mix of youth and experience including the likes of veterans Sandrine Gruda and Endy Miyem, plus rising stars like Iliana Rupert and Marine Fauthoux - alongside stars such as Marine Johannes and the naturalized Gabby Williams.

France will play in Group B of the Qualifiers against Finland, Lithuania and Ukraine. 

FIBA