Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, Nigeria women’s national basketball team, have retained their position as the eighth-best team globally and the top-ranked side in Africa in the latest rankings released by FIBA.

The updated standings, released after the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026 qualifying tournaments, showed no change for the reigning African champions, who continue to dominate the continent while maintaining their place among the world’s elite teams.

At the summit, the United States remain firmly in first place following an unbeaten run in San Juan. France moved up to second position after an impressive qualifying campaign on home soil, overtaking Australia in the process.

Nigeria’s consistent performances, including a 2–3 record in Lyon, were enough to secure their top-10 global ranking and keep them ahead of other African teams.

The rankings will play a key role in determining seedings for the draw of the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup, scheduled for April 21.

France recorded the most significant rise among the leading teams, climbing to second after winning all five of their games in Lyon-Villeurbanne and earning additional points for dominant victories.

Belgium also made progress, narrowing the gap with China after an unbeaten showing in Wuhan, which included a notable win over the Asian side.

Japan re-entered the top 10, moving up to 10th place after securing qualification in Istanbul with important victories against Canada and Argentina.

Host nation Germany climbed to 11th following four strong wins in the qualifiers, including a notable victory over Nigeria.

Among other movers, Senegal recorded the biggest improvement in Africa, rising three places to 23rd, while Argentina climbed four spots to 24th after both teams remained competitive until the final stages of the qualifiers.

The Philippines marked a historic moment by earning their first-ever win at the global level, jumping nine places to 30th in the rankings.

South Sudan achieved the most dramatic rise, moving up 13 places to 42nd and breaking into the top 50 for the first time, despite not recording a win during their campaign.