NIGERIA’S D’Tigress have climbed up in the FIBA women’s world ranking after their excellent outing at the Paris 2024 Olympics in August.
The African champions made history by becoming the first team from the continent, male or female, to reach the basketball quarter-finals of the Olympics after stunning victories over Australia and Canada in France.
They have jumped four places and into the top 10 of the rankings in eighth place.
D’Tigress sealed a rookie Group Phase victory, and earned two wins for the first time at the Olympics.
“D’Tigress found early momentum for their historic accomplishments by beating Australia on opening day in Lille, but their opponents recovered impressively to take the bronze medal,” FIBA wrote.
“Now the Opals can also celebrate moving up to second place in the rankings.
“While USA proudly retain top spot after taking gold at the Women’s Olympic Basketball Tournament Paris 2024, 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, USA secured a stunning 10th title and their eighth in a row, which sees them remain top of the rankings with 883.3 points.
“France leap four places and into third spot after their captivating run to the Final. Roared on by the passionate home fans, they only lost by a solitary point to USA as they attained a silver medal to equal their best ever result at the Games.
“Germany also made history and rolled into the quarter-finals on their Olympic debut, having amassed two Group Phase wins. As a result, they have rocketed up eight places and into 13th place in the rankings.
“Another accomplishment came from Serbia, who were also quarter-finals participants at Paris 2024. They have improved their standing in the rankings with an upwards move from 10th to 9th place.”
