D’Tigress become first African team to break into FIBA top 10

D’Tigress of Nigeria are now placed eighth in the world based on the latest FIBA rankings. 

According to the list released on Thursday by the world basketball governing body, the six-time AfroBasket champions rose four spots to become one of the top 10 teams globally.

The ranking makes D’Tigress the first African team — men or women — to break into the top 10 of the FIBA world rankings.

The team’s historical rise in the world ranking was spurred by a brilliant performance at the Paris Olympics.

D’Tigress defeated Australia in their first game to earn the team’s first victory at the Olympics in 20 years.

Although the team lost their second game to France, the ladies defeated Canada in their last group game to become the first African side to qualify for the quarter-final of the Olympic basketball event.

Nigeria eventually succumbed to the United States in the quarter-finals.

Rena Wakama, D’Tigress’ head coach, was also named the best coach of the women’s basketball event.

The US, the Olympic champions, retain the top spot in the global ranking, followed by Australia and France.

China and Spain complete the line-up for the best five teams in women’s basketball.