In the latest FIBA World Ranking Women edition, Nigeria has jumped four places into the top 10.

Nigeria, represented by D’Tigress, the senior national women’s basketball team, had entered the history books a few weeks ago at the Paris Olympic Games.

D’Tigress secured two wins from three games for the first time, becoming the first African side (either male or female) to compete in the quarter-finals at the Olympics.

They have now made history again as the first African national team (men or women) to be ranked in the top 10 of the FIBA World Rankings.

D’Tigress found early momentum for their historic accomplishments on their opening day in Lille by winning 75-62 against Australia, who recovered to win the Games’ bronze medal.

Australia moved to second place in the rankings after beating Belgium 85-81 in Paris.

Even though D’Tigress lost 54-75 in their second game to hosts France in Lille, they surged back to beat Canada 79-70 and qualify for the quarter-finals from Group B.

They went on to lose 74-88 to the U.S. in the quarter-final game played in Paris, with the Americans running on all the way to stay undefeated and win the competition.

While the U.S. retained the top spot after winning the Olympic gold medal, several other nations secured rises due to their performances at the showpiece event.

In an absorbing and memorable competition played out in front of record-breaking crowds, the U.S. secured a stunning 10th title and eighth in a row. That has helped them remain at the top of the rankings, with 883.3 points.

France leapt four places and into third spot after their captivating run to the final match of the Olympics.

Roared on by the passionate home fans, they only lost by a point (66-67) to the U.S. for a silver medal, equaling their best-ever result at the Games.

Germany also made history and rolled into the quarter-finals on their Olympic debut, having secured two Group Phase wins. As a result of this, they have rocketed up eight places and into 13th place in the rankings.

Another accomplishment came from Serbia, which was also a quarter-finalists at Paris 2024. By moving from 10th to 9th place in the rankings, Serbia improved its standing.

There were also movers from those teams who were successful at the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026 Pre-Qualifying Tournaments in Mexico and Rwanda.

After winning the competition in Mexico City, Czechia grabbed a ticket for the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026 Qualifiers. Czechia is now 21st after climbing two places.

Also, Hungary won the competition in Kigali and they moved up one place to 15th in the rankings.

There was also some consolation for host nation Rwanda, who accomplished the biggest jump in the Top 100 for their efforts in the Pre-Qualifying Tournament.

They moved 12 places into the 62nd place.

South Korea, who reached the final in Mexico, won almost four points but could not move up because of Germany’s impressive rise at the same time.

FIBA is the world governing body for basketball. It is an independent association formed by 212 National Basketball Federations worldwide. The International Olympic Committee recognises it as the sole competent authority in basketball.

(NAN)