Nigeria have slipped to eighth place in the newly released FIBA Basketball World Cup African Qualifiers Power Rankings, marking a significant decline for a country long regarded as one of the continent’s basketball giants.
Senegal now lead the rankings, signalling a shift in African basketball’s competitive landscape. Angola and emerging force South Sudan occupy the second and third positions, while Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Egypt and Mali round out the top seven.
The most notable development, however, is Nigeria’s fall. Once a team capable of challenging elite global sides and producing top-tier talent, D’Tigers now find themselves outside the continent’s leading pack.
Their decline has been attributed to years of instability, including frequent coaching changes, administrative challenges and inconsistent player availability. While Nigeria struggled with internal disruptions, nations with clearer structures and sustained cohesion—such as Senegal and South Sudan—made significant strides.
Despite the setback, the rankings offer both a caution and a challenge. Nigeria still possess one of Africa’s deepest talent pools, with exceptional athleticism, strong foreign-based representation and an increasing number of home-grown prospects. Observers believe that with improved stability, better planning and renewed commitment, D’Tigers have the capacity to reclaim their place among Africa’s elite.
