Senegal have climbed to the top of the latest FIBA Basketball World Cup African Qualifiers Power Rankings, highlighting a major shift in the continent’s basketball hierarchy.
Angola and fast-rising South Sudan follow closely behind, underlining how competitive African basketball has become. Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Egypt and Mali complete the top seven.
The major talking point, however, is Nigeria’s fall to No. 8 — a stunning position for a nation once considered a powerhouse. D’Tigers, once capable of toppling global teams and producing world-class stars, now face a sobering reality that results have not aligned with their immense talent base and deep basketball culture.
Nigeria’s challenges stem from several years of instability, including frequent coaching changes, administrative issues, and inconsistent player availability. As these problems stalled the team’s progress, nations with clearer programs and stronger cohesion—such as South Sudan and Senegal—took decisive steps forward.
Still, the rankings serve as both a warning and motivation. Nigeria remain one of Africa’s most naturally gifted teams, boasting elite athleticism, foreign-based stars and a growing stream of home-grown prospects. With stability, structure and renewed focus, D’Tigers possess the tools to rise again.
