Nigeria Slips To 53rd Globally, Eighth In Africa
By TAYO TAIWO (T. T.) OLUWOLE
Nigeria Falls in Global Rankings
NIGERIA’S men’s national basketball team, the D’Tigers, have slipped three places in the latest International Basketball Federation (FIBA) rankings, moving from 50th to 53rd globally with 271.2 points. Among African nations, they remain eighth, a position overshadowed by South Sudan, which continues to top the continent at 25th globally with 472.1 points.
Tunisia also dropped three spots to 52nd, while Rwanda experienced the biggest fall among African teams, sliding five places to 86th. Angola (32nd), Ivory Coast (38th), Egypt (43rd), and Senegal (48th) complete the continent’s top five, with Nigeria closely trailing Cape Verde (50th) and Tunisia.
World Cup Qualification Race
Despite the rankings drop, the D’Tigers remain in contention for the 2027 FIBA World Cup. Nigeria currently rank 11th in the African qualifiers’ Smart Power Rankings. Their campaign in the 2025 FIBA AfroBasket showcased resilience, with a perfect 3–0 start in the preliminary round, including victories over Madagascar, Tunisia, and Cameroon. However, a 75–91 defeat to Senegal ended their run.
The team now holds a 1–2 record in the African qualifiers and must deliver strong performances in the July qualification window to secure one of Africa’s five World Cup slots.
Global Context
At the top of the world rankings, the United States maintains its number one spot following progression in the Americas qualifiers. European teams such as Serbia, France, and Greece remain highly competitive, while New Zealand has risen in Asia’s rankings after key away victories.
Within Africa, Ivory Coast recorded the most significant rise, climbing to 38th globally after an unbeaten start in the continental qualifiers.
