Nigeria’s D’Tigress have once again announced their dominance on the continental stage, after the latest FIBA women’s world ranking indicated the team maintained 8th position globally.
D’Tigress, who are reigning African champions, are the only team from the continent in the top 10. They stand shoulder to shoulder with global powerhouses in women’s basketball.
The new ranking was published just days after the conclusion of the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournaments.
After opening with a commanding 70–37 win over Colombia, D’Tigress briefly dipped by falling to South Korea 77–60 before bouncing back emphatically against the Philippines.
That response came in a high-scoring 101–84 victory that highlighted their offensive depth. However, tougher challenges lay ahead against top-tier opposition.
Global powerhouses hold firm as African teams battle for recognition in updated rankings
Despite a spirited second-half comeback against hosts France, D’Tigress lost 93–86. They later concluded their run with an 81–73 defeat to Germany.
At the top of the rankings, the USA maintain their spot at number one. France moved to second ahead of Australia, while China and Belgium complete the top five.
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Mali occupy 18th in the world, making them the only other African side in the top 20. Senegal sit at 22nd, while Mozambique and Cameroon rank 34th and 37th respectively.
The biggest climbers are South Sudan, entering the top 50 for the first time. Their rise to 42nd followed participation in the Wuhan qualifying tournament.
The FIBA world ranking will be used to help form the seedings for the World Cup 2026 draw on April 21. Consequently, Nigeria’s top-10 status strengthens their position ahead of the global showdown.
Tags: D’Tigress, FIBA rankings, FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournaments.
