Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, have continued their unprecedented rise on the global stage, securing the 8th position in the latest FIBA World Rankings.
The leap follows a string of dominant performances, most notably their continued stranglehold on the AfroBasket title.
D’Tigress have long been the gold standard of African basketball, but this 8th-place ranking officially cements their status as a legitimate global powerhouse.
For years, the top ten of the FIBA rankings was a club reserved for traditional giants like the USA, France, Spain, and Australia. However, Nigeria’s ascent to 8th is a testament to the grit, tactical evolution and consistency of the squad.
Under the leadership of Rena Wakama, the team has transitioned from being competitive underdogs to a side that elite nations now fear facing. The ranking reflects not just individual talent, but a cohesive defensive identity that has become the team’s trademark.
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With stars like Ezinne Kalu and Amy Okonkwo consistently delivering on the world stage, D’Tigress have proven that their success is not a flash in the pan but a result of a sustained winning culture.
This achievement is a massive win for the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) and a beacon of hope for the continent.