Nigeria’s D’Tigress have retained their position as the eighth-best women’s basketball team in the world, according to the latest FIBA Women’s World Rankings released on March 20.
The team holds 700.3 points, keeping them firmly inside the global top 10 while maintaining their status as Africa’s highest-ranked side. No other African nation features in the top tier of the rankings.
The rankings were announced following the conclusion of the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournaments, where D’Tigress faced a rigorous schedule against international opponents.
Nigeria’s qualifying campaign in Lyon opened with a dominant 70–37 victory over Colombia, a match that highlighted the team’s defensive strength and structured approach.
A subsequent 77–60 loss to South Korea exposed areas for improvement, but the squad responded swiftly with a 101–84 win against the Philippines, showcasing their offensive capabilities.
The team’s clash against hosts France proved to be a defining moment. D’Tigress mounted a significant second-half comeback, pushing the French side to the limit before ultimately falling 93–86.
The campaign concluded with an 81–73 defeat to Germany. A narrow 77–76 loss to Turkey in a pre-qualifier friendly earlier in the stretch further underscored the fine margins that characterised Nigeria’s run.
The United States women’s national basketball team remains atop the world rankings in first position. France has climbed to second place, moving ahead of Australia, while China and Belgium complete the top five.
Within this global hierarchy, Nigeria’s position carries added significance as the only African representative inside the top 10, a reflection of sustained success built on multiple AfroBasket championships.
Mali stands as the next African side in the rankings at 18th place globally. Senegal follows at 22nd, while Mozambique and Cameroon occupy 34th and 37th positions respectively.
The ranking confirmation comes as attention begins to shift toward the 2026 World Cup scheduled to hold in Berlin.
