Nigeria’s women’s team, D’Tigress, have climbed three places to eighth in the latest FIBA Women’s World Ranking, making them the only African side inside the global Top 10.

It’s a milestone that confirms what the continent has felt for years: Nigeria are no longer just an AfroBasket contender; they’re a world force.

The ranking jump capped a golden August, as D’Tigress defeated Mali 78–64 to win a record fifth straight AfroBasket crown.

Beyond the trophy, the campaign showcased depth, balance, and game management qualities that translate when the competition stiffens outside Africa.

How the team evolved on the floor

This cycle, Nigeria paired trademark ball pressure with sharper half-court execution. Spacing was cleaner, corner shooting more reliable, and defensive rebounding more disciplined.

That blend meant they didn’t need frantic runs to win, just steady, repeatable possessions that travel well to neutral courts.

A single-digit world rank changes the schedule and the scouting report. It should be easier to book elite friendlies, attract diaspora talent, and enter qualifiers as a seeded threat. Opponents will now prepare for Nigeria as favourites, not spoilers, fewer surprises, tighter margins, higher standards.

The road to the World Cup

With continental dominance secured, attention turns to the 2026 Women’s Basketball World Cup Qualifying Tournaments. The target is simple: convert ranking respect into World Cup qualification and push for knockout wins on the global stage.

No other African team sits in the Top 10, underlining how far D’Tigress have stretched the field since 2017. That gap is both opportunity and responsibility:

Nigeria’s consistency can pull the region forward if they keep raising the bar in preparation, performance, and player development.