By Agency Report

Nigeria emerged as the biggest mover in the latest FIBA Africa Power Rankings following the conclusion of the third qualification window for the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup, climbing four places to eighth as the race for a place in Qatar intensifies.

The D’Tigers’ impressive rise highlights their resurgence during the latest round of qualifiers, with their performances earning them the biggest jump among all teams on the continent.

At the top of the rankings, Senegal displaced Mali to claim the number one spot after another strong outing. Mali slipped one place to second, while Côte d’Ivoire surged three places to the third following an impressive run of results.

Cameroon dropped to fourth, with Angola holding steady in fifth place.

Guinea experienced the biggest decline, falling two places to sixth, while South Sudan remained seventh. Behind Nigeria, Tunisia dropped to ninth, Egypt slipped to 10th, Cabo Verde fell to 11th, and DR Congo completed the top 12.

The updated rankings underline just how competitive the qualification campaign has become.

The third window delivered several surprises, including major upsets, extended winning streaks, and one dramatic contest that required overtime before a heavy favourite escaped an unexpected defeat.

With only three points separating the highest and lowest-ranked teams in the standings, every game could prove decisive as Africa’s top basketball nations continue their battle for qualification to the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup in Qatar.

As the qualifiers move into the next phase, Nigeria will be aiming to build on their momentum and continue their climb, while the rest of the continent prepares for what promises to be an intense battle on the road to Qatar 2027.