Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, have carved a new chapter in sporting history, breaking into the global top 10 of the FIBA Women’s World Rankings for the first time. The team now sits 8th in the world with 640.1 points, following their dominant showing at the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket in Abidjan.

The ranking update, announced on Thursday, represents a three-place jump from 11th and cements D’Tigress’ reputation as Africa’s undisputed basketball powerhouse. Significantly, they are the only African team—male or female—to ever achieve a top-10 world ranking.

Their rise was fueled by a commanding 78–64 victory in the AfroBasket final, which not only delivered their seventh continental title but also extended their unbeaten streak at the tournament to 29 games, a run stretching back a decade to 2015. The feat added another layer to their legacy, as they became the first African team, men’s or women’s, to clinch five consecutive AfroBasket crowns.

Globally, the United States maintained its dominance with 880.9 points, trailed by Australia (719.6), France (719.2), China (712.7), and Belgium (702.1). Spain and Canada occupy sixth and seventh respectively, with Nigeria rounding off the top eight—above several established basketball nations.

The significance of Nigeria’s ascent goes beyond numbers. It signals the country’s growing influence in women’s basketball and highlights the potential of African teams to compete consistently on the global stage. Analysts say the ranking boost could inspire greater investment in the women’s game locally, while giving D’Tigress added momentum ahead of future Olympic and World Cup qualifiers.

The latest FIBA update also brought major shifts for other nations. Lithuania made headlines in Europe, climbing 14 places to 31st after a strong return to the Women’s EuroBasket. South Sudan’s remarkable AfroBasket debut, capped with a bronze medal, marked one of the tournament’s most inspiring stories. In Asia, Lebanon rose 13 places to 41st, Indonesia leapt 19 spots to 60th, Iran gained 15 places to 44th, and Mongolia surged 20 places to 70th after their Division B campaign.

For Nigeria, however, the spotlight shines brightest. From continental dominance to global recognition, D’Tigress’ climb into the world’s elite not only underscores their resilience and talent but also sets a new benchmark for African basketball.