Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, claimed the eighth spot in the latest FIBA ranking, as announced by the world basketball governing body on Thursday.
This landmark achievement makes the Nigerian team the first African team, male or female, to break into the top 10 of the FIBA world rankings.
The team’s remarkable climb in the world rankings is credited to its outstanding performance at the Paris Olympics. D’Tigress notably defeated Australia and Canada in the group stage, making it the first African team to reach the quarter-finals at the Olympics.
Although the USA halted D’Tigress’ impressive Olympic journey, their exceptional performance led head coach Rena Wakama to be recognised as the best coach in the women’s basketball event.
The US, the reigning Olympic champions, continue to hold the top global ranking, with Australia and France closely behind. China and Spain round off the list of the top five teams in women’s basketball.