Nigeria’s men’s national basketball team, D’Tigers, have been placed 12th (last) in the latest FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 African Qualifiers Smart Power Rankings – Volume 3, released on February 19, 2026.
According to FIBA’s assessment, Nigeria’s low ranking follows an inconsistent start to their qualification campaign.
During the opening window in November 2025, D’Tigers forced hosts Tunisia into overtime before losing 88–78, then edged Rwanda 75–69 in another overtime encounter, but went on to lose two of their first three games — a run that has left them playing catch-up in an increasingly competitive field.
FIBA noted that if Nigeria are to return to the World Cup stage for the first time since 2019, they can no longer afford lapses in performance.
While the ranking highlights current struggles, it also stresses that Nigeria still have time to recover, with several qualifying windows remaining.
The Smart Power Prairie Rankings, which are subjective and based on form, results, squad strength, and momentum, currently see Guinea top the African chart, followed by Angola and Senegal, while Nigeria trail the 12-team list.
With 40 percent of the African qualifying campaign set to be completed by early March, upcoming games in Cairo and Dakar are expected to significantly shape Nigeria’s prospects as they seek to revive their 2027 World Cup hopes.
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