Sowah far, so good: Two-time champion answers Opals' call

The incredible form of Townsville's Miela Sowah has been rewarded, with the guard was added to Sandy Brondello's Australian Opals squad on Thursday.

Sowah comes into the 12-person squad to replace the injured Sami Whitcomb (knee), who withdrew from the green and gold outfit on Wednesday.

"Miela gives us another genuine scoring threat and is one of the best shooters in the WNBL," Brondello said.

"Her ability to stretch the floor, attack close-outs and play with confidence gives us another important offensive weapon.

"Being in the WNBA environment challenges you defensively and she's thriving with her decision-making and overall understanding of the game.

"She's added confidence and expanded her ability to impact the game in different ways.

"I think we'll see that growth shine through in Berlin."

Sowah, who helped the Opals win the 2025 Asia Cup, is a two-time WNBL champion and currently part of the the Golden State Valkyries's roster in the WNBA.

Australia, who are in Group C of the September 4-13 tournament in Berlin, first play Puerto Rico on September 4, before games against Türkiye and Belgium.

Australian Opals' 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup squad:

- Zitina Aokuso (Adelaide Lightning)
- Chloe Bibby (Chicago Sky/WNBA)
- Isobel Borlase (Bendigo Spirit and Atlanta Dream/WNBA)
- Isobelle Bourne (Sydney Flames)
- Alex Fowler (Townsville Fire)
- Ezi Magbegor (Seattle Storm/WNBA)
- Jade Melbourne (Bendigo Spirit and Seattle Storm/WNBA)
- Steph Reid (Tasmania Jewels)
- Alanna Smith (Dallas Wings/WNBA)
- Milea Sowah (Townsville Fire)
- Steph Talbot (Adelaide Lightning and Las Vegas Aces/WNBA)
- Ally Wilson (Sydney Flames)

Australian Opals' 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup schedule:

- Australia v Puerto Rico - Friday, September 4 - 7.30pm AEST
- Australia v Türkiye - Sunday, September 6 - 7.30pm AEST
- Australia v Belgium - Monday, September 7 - 7.30pm AEST