The Nigeria men’s national basketball team, popularly known as D’Tigers, have slipped three spots to 53rd in the latest global rankings released by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA).
The new standings see Nigeria fall from 50th to 53rd, with 271.2 ranking points, while maintaining their position as the eighth-best team in Africa.
This decline ties them with Tunisia, who also dropped three places to 52nd globally. Rwanda recorded the biggest fall among African teams, sliding five spots to 86th.
African Rankings Snapshot
Within the continent, South Sudan leads the way, sitting 25th in the world with 472.1 points. Angola is second in Africa and 32nd globally with 416.8 points, followed by Ivory Coast at 38th worldwide with 358.9 points.
Egypt ranks fourth in Africa (43rd globally), and Senegal is fifth (48th).
Cape Verde is sixth at 50th, just ahead of Tunisia (52nd) and Nigeria (53rd). Cameroon and Mali round out Africa’s top 10 at 59th and 64th, respectively.
World Cup Qualification Outlook
Despite the drop in rankings, D’Tigers remain in contention for the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup. Nigeria currently holds the 11th spot in the African qualifiers’ Smart Power Rankings.
The team showcased strong performances at the 2025 FIBA AfroBasket, winning all three Group B matches against Madagascar, Tunisia, and Cameroon.
Their run ended with a 75–91 defeat to Senegal. With a 1–2 record in the African qualifiers, Nigeria will need strong results in the July qualification window to secure one of the five African slots for the 2027 tournament in Qatar.
Global Context
At the top of the rankings, the United States remains number one, followed closely by Serbia, France, and Canada, separated by less than three points.
Greece moved into the top 12 after advancing in the European qualifiers, while New Zealand improved following away wins over the Philippines and Guam.
Among African teams, Ivory Coast recorded the most significant rise, climbing to 38th globally after an unbeaten start to the continental qualifiers.
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