FIBA Africa has released its latest power rankings ahead of the second round of the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup African Qualifiers, with Senegal taking the top position and Nigeria making a significant climb.
The second round of the African qualifiers will take place from August 27 to 30, 2026, with Group E games scheduled for Radès, Tunisia, and Group F matches taking place in Dakar, Senegal.
FIBA’s latest Smart Power Rankings, Volume 6, placed Senegal first after the West Africans posted a 5-1 record in the opening phase. Mali dropped to second, while Côte d’Ivoire climbed three places to third.
Cameroon, which currently boasts a 5-1 record, occupies fourth position, followed by Angola in fifth.
Nigeria recorded the biggest rise among the leading teams, moving four places from 12th to eighth following an impressive 3-0 run in the third window. The D’Tigers, under their renewed technical setup and roster, moved to a 4-2 overall record and were praised by FIBA for their aggressive defensive performances.
However, Nigeria will face a difficult test in Group E, where they are drawn alongside Cameroon, Guinea, Tunisia, South Sudan and Cape Verde. All six teams currently have at least three wins, making the group highly competitive.
FIBA noted that uncertainty surrounding some teams has influenced their positioning, with injuries, coaching changes and player availability becoming important factors ahead of the decisive second round.
The top two teams in each group, alongside the best third-placed team, will qualify for the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup. Africa has five places available at the tournament in Qatar.
FIBA Africa Power Rankings
Senegal — 5-1
Mali — 5-1
Côte d’Ivoire — 5-1
Cameroon — 5-1
Angola — 4-2
Guinea — 4-2
South Sudan — 4-2
Nigeria — 4-2
Tunisia — 4-2
Egypt — 3-3
Cape Verde — 3-3
DR Congo — 2-4
FIBA stressed that the Smart Power Rankings are subjective assessments and do not represent an official or precise ranking system.
The D’Tigers will begin their second-round campaign against Cameroon on August 27 in Radès, before facing Cape Verde and Guinea during the four-day window.
