D’Tigress Make History, Becomes First African Team To Break Into FIBA Top 10
Taiwo Ayandeyi
The Nigerian women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, has made history by rising to eighth place in the latest FIBA rankings, released on Thursday.
This significant leap of four spots secures their position among the top 10 teams globally, making them the first African team – men or women – to break into the top 10 of the FIBA world rankings.
D’Tigress’ impressive performance at the Paris Olympics fueled their historic rise. Notable achievements include:
– Defeating Australia in their first game, securing their first Olympic victory in 20 years.
– “A brilliant performance” against France.
– Defeating Canada to become the first African side to qualify for the Olympic basketball quarter-finals.
Although they lost to the United States in the quarter-finals, D’Tigress’ remarkable display earned their head coach, Rena Wakama, the title of “best coach of the women’s basketball event.”
The top five teams in women’s basketball remain, United States (Olympic champions), Australia, France, China, Spain.
D’Tigress’ groundbreaking achievement solidifies their position as six-time AfroBasket champions and a force to be reckoned with in global women’s basketball.
