Despite three defeats at a recent World Cup qualifying tournament in France, Nigeria’s women’s basketball national team, D’Tigress retain 8th position in latest global rankings by the sport’s governing body, FIBA.
Sports247 gathered that the seven-time African champions and current holders remain the continent’s highest ranked team, while also staying atop South Korea and Germany, who both defeated the Nigerians at the recent tournament.
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Dramatically, France, who happened to host the tournament and were the second team that defeat Rena Wakama’s side, used points gained from the competition in Lyon to soar up the table with one of the best climbs.
The report noted in part, “While USA strengthened their grip on top spot after going perfect in San Juan, several other nations have climbed up the FIBA World Ranking Women, presented by Nike.
“Thanks to strong performances in the recent FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournaments. The most prominent headline sees France celebrate their newfound status as the second-highest-ranked nation.
“They have moved ahead of Australia after impressing in Lyon-Villeurbanne with a flawless five wins, also receiving a supremacy bonus in four of those outings on home soil for defeating their opponents by a margin of 15 or more points.
“Similarly, Germany, the hosts of this year’s flagship event also rise a place from 12th to 11th. They racked up four eye-catching victories in the qualifiers, including a win against African champions, Nigeria.
“Senegal and Argentina are the highest climbers from Africa and the Americas. Both teams were still in contention to qualify for the Women’s World Cup until the final game day of the Qualifying Tournaments in San Juan and Istanbul.”
