Nigeria leaps into top 10, claims 8th Spot in latest FIBA women world ranking
Nigeria has jumped four places in the latest edition of the FIBA World Ranking Women, moving into the top 10 of the rankings and eighth place.
Nigeria, represented by D’Tigress, the senior national women’s basketball team, had entered the history books a few weeks ago at the Paris Olympic Games.
D’Tigress had secured two wins from three games for the first time to become the first African side (either male or female) to compete in the quarter-finals at the Olympics.
They have now made history again as the first African national team in the history of the FIBA World Ranking (men or women) to be ranked in the top 10.
D’Tigress found early momentum for their historic accomplishments on their opening day in Lille by winning 75-62 against Australia who went on to recover to win the Games’ bronze medal.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Australia have now moved up to second place in the rankings, after beating Belgium 85-81 in Paris.
Even though D’Tigress lost 54-75 in their second game to hosts France in Lille, they surged back to beat Canada 79-70 and qualify for the quarter-finals from Group B.
They went on to lose 74-88 to the U.S. in the quarter-final game played in Paris, with the Americans running on all the way to stay undefeated and win the competition.
While leaders U.S. proudly retain top spot after taking the Olympics gold medal, several other nations have secured rises off the back of their great work at the showpiece event.
In a truly absorbing and memorable competition that was played out in front of record-breaking crowds, the U.S. secured a stunning 10th title and their eighth in a row.
