Miela Sowah’s impressive form has been rewarded with a late call-up to the Australian Opals squad for the upcoming FIBA Women’s World Cup in Berlin, replacing veteran guard Sami Whitcomb after she was forced to withdraw due to ongoing knee soreness.
Watch the biggest Aussie sports & the best from overseas LIVE on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.
Whitcomb’s withdrawal was confirmed on Wednesday after the 38-year-old experienced inflammation in her knee throughout the year, an issue which also saw her miss the early portion of the 2026 WNBA season as a precaution.
Despite doing everything possible to be ready for the World Cup, which tips off on September 4, the decision was ultimately made to prioritise Whitcomb’s long-term health and wellbeing.
“While Sami is understandably disappointed not to be able to represent the Opals at the World Cup, her long-term health has to come first,” Jason Smith, EGM of High Performance, said.
“Our thoughts are with Sami. We know how much representing the Opals means to her, and we recognise the enormous emotional and physical toll this situation has taken,”
“Sami gives so much to this team, and while we are deeply disappointed that she will not be with us at the World Cup, our priority is her wellbeing, health, and long-term future. We will continue to support her in every way we can.”
READ MORE: Australia’s next generation strikes gold as rising stars dominate FIBA Asia Cup
Whitcomb, who has committed to the Perth Lynx for the upcoming WNBL season, has made 14 appearances for the Phoenix Mercury this season, averaging 4.9 points, 2.1 assists and 1.8 rebounds per game.
Her withdrawal left coach Sandy Brondello needing to quickly find a replacement ahead of the September 4-13 tournament, with Sowah getting the call today to complete the 12-player squad.
The Townsville Fire guard has emerged as one of the WNBL’s standout performers and now gets another opportunity in the green and gold after helping Australia win the 2025 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup.
Sowah is also a two-time WNBL champion and is currently part of the Golden State Valkyries’ roster in the WNBA, adding another player with experience in the United States to Brondello’s squad.
For Brondello, Sowah’s ability to score and stretch the floor provides the Opals with another offensive weapon following the loss of Whitcomb.
“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.
READ MORE: Boomers’ World Cup mission resumes as roster revealed for next qualifying test
“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 joins a squad featuring a strong WNBA contingent, including Alanna Smith, Ezi Magbegor, Jade Melbourne, Isobel Borlase, Steph Talbot and Chloe Bibby.
They will be joined by Ally Wilson, Isobelle Bourne, Zitina Aokuso, Alex Fowler and Steph Reid as Australia looks to make another push for a World Cup medal.
The Opals have been drawn into Group C for the tournament in Berlin and will open their campaign against Puerto Rico on September 4 before facing 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)
Miela Sowah (Townsville Fire and Golden State Valkyries/WNBA)
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