Riding high on a wave of triumphs, Nigeria’s D’Tigress have once again asserted their dominance on the international basketball scene by leaping to 8th in the world in the FIBA Women’s World Rankings as of August 2025. This remarkable feat not only solidifies their status as the African basketball queens but also positions them as influential ambassadors for the continent on the global sports stage.
With an impressive 640.1 points to their name, D’Tigress, the undisputed champions of AfroBasket, have achieved what no other African team has—breaking into the world’s Top 10. Their successful journey has seen them usurp Brazil and Serbia, previously ranking 9th and 10th, respectively, underscoring their ever-growing reputation in both African and international basketball arenas.
D’Tigress: A Legacy Enshrined in Victory
D’Tigress’s rise is not just a tale of triumph but one of legacy and inspiration. Their achievements resonate far beyond the basketball courts:
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Seven-time AfroBasket Champions: Their golden years spanning 2003 to 2025 (2003, 2005, 2017, 2019, 2021, 2023, 2025).
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Record-breaking Five Consecutive AfroBasket Titles: A first in African history reflecting a dynasty in the making.
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Historic Olympic Achievement: Reaching the quarterfinals during the Paris 2024 Olympics, a landmark accomplishment for African women’s basketball.
Under the strategic expertise of Coach Rena Wakama, Nigeria’s recent victory in Côte d’Ivoire was sealed with a decisive 78–64 win over Mali, marking their 7th AfroBasket trophy. This accomplishment paved the way for their entry into the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup set in Berlin, Germany, a testament to their relentless pursuit of excellence and dominance.
D’Tigress Make Global Waves
The world stood up and took notice when D’Tigress made an indelible mark during the Paris 2024 Olympics. Their unshakeable spirit saw them vanquish powerhouse teams like Australia and Canada, blazing a trail as the first African women’s basketball team to reach the Olympic quarterfinals. This Olympian feat sent a clear message: Nigerian basketball is not just competing; it’s excelling on a global scale.
This string of successes has firmly established Nigeria as the face of African women’s basketball, igniting hopes and dreams for a new generation. Their ascent is an inspiration, reinforcing the narrative that with discipline and passion, Nigerian athletes can hold their own among the world’s elite.
Highlight: August 2025 FIBA World Rankings
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USA – 880.9
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Australia – 719.6
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France – 719.2
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China – 712.7
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Belgium – 702.1
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Spain – 698.2
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Canada – 661.6
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Nigeria – 640.1
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Brazil – 637.8
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Serbia – 615.2
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Japan – 613.3
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Germany – 602.4
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Mali – 343.7
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South Sudan – 151.3
(Remarkably Ascending)
Navigating Africa: FIBA Africa Women’s Rankings
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Nigeria – World Rank: 8 | Points: 640.1 | Moving Forward: +3
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Mali – World Rank: 18 | Points: 343.7 | Moving Forward: +6
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Senegal – World Rank: 25 | Points: 295.5 | Moving Forward: +2
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Mozambique – World Rank: 32 | Points: 239.3
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Cameroon – World Rank: 35 | Points: 224.2 | Impressively Up +7
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Egypt – World Rank: 43 | Points: 185.3 | Facing Challenges -6
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Côte d’Ivoire – World Rank: 50 | Points: 164.3 | Onward +3
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Angola – World Rank: 51 | Points: 160.2 | Downward Path -5
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Uganda – World Rank: 53 | Points: 152.7 | Minor Drop -1
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South Sudan – World Rank: 55 | Points: 151.3 | Spectacular Leap +31
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Rwanda – World Rank: 72 | Points: 108.1 | Slip -7
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Kenya – World Rank: 78 | Points: 98 | Significant Drop -10
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DR Congo – World Rank: 80 | Points: 93.5 | Decrease -5
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Guinea – World Rank: 94 | Points: 67.8 | Slight Downtrend -3
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Cape Verde – World Rank: 98 | Points: 62 | Losing Ground -5
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Zimbabwe – World Rank: 99 | Points: 61 | Stable Shift -1
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Tunisia – World Rank: 101 | Points: 59.6 | Minor Decline -2
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Zambia – World Rank: 112 | Points: 37.3
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Central African Republic – World Rank: 113 | Points: 35.4 | Slip -4
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Burundi – World Rank: 114 | Points: 33.7 | Minor Ascent +1
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Gabon – World Rank: 118 | Points: 27.8 | Encountering Drops -2
Africa’s Leaders on the Hardwood
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Nigeria leads African basketball unconquered, proudly cementing its 8th global rank with determination and finesse on the court.
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Mali, holding the honorable 18th position, continues to climb, showcasing African talent internationally.
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South Sudan emerges as a powerhouse, catapulting into Africa’s Top 10, marking an inspirational journey with a massive jump of +31.
D’Tigress are no longer just African basketball champions; they’re now among the elite forces on the world’s basketball courts. They have inspired countless young talents across the continent, reminding all that with ambition and hard work, global greatness is within reach. What’s your take on D’Tigress’ astonishing rise? Join the conversation below and share your thoughts!
