Sports
Nigeria Falls to 42nd in Latest FIBA Rankings
In the most recent FIBA World Rankings released on Thursday, Nigeria’s senior men’s basketball team, D’Tigers, has dropped four places to 42nd globally and 6th in Africa. This decline follows their failure to qualify for the Olympics Qualifying Tournament and the Paris 2024 Games, resulting in a total of 299.7 points and a fall in the rankings.
South Sudan made a notable ascent, rising from 34th to 23rd position, and now holds the top spot in Africa with 481 points after securing their first Olympic win. This leap has positioned South Sudan as the highest-ranked African team, surpassing Cote d’Ivoire, which has moved up to 31st globally and 2nd in Africa with 392.3 points.
Among other African nations in the top 50, Angola has advanced three places to 32nd worldwide, and remains 3rd in Africa. Tunisia has dropped two spots to 37th globally, now 4th in Africa, while Egypt has climbed two positions to 38th in the world, 5th in Africa. Cape Verde has moved up one spot to 45th, ranking 7th in Africa, and Senegal stands at 47th globally and 8th in Africa.
Cameroon has seen a significant rise, moving up five places to 64th after strong performances in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament, ranking 9th in Africa. Guinea also improved, climbing three spots to 73rd globally, making them the 10th best team in Africa.
The United States maintains their top position in the FIBA World Rankings following their gold medal victory at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Serbia has climbed two places to 2nd, surpassing Germany, while France has risen five spots to 4th after reaching the Gold Medal Game, now trailing Germany in 3rd place.
Canada’s historic run in the Olympics, their first in 24 years, has propelled them to 5th place in the rankings, building on their third-place finish at the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023. Greece and Puerto Rico have each advanced one spot, with Greece now at 13th and Puerto Rico at 15th after their successes in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments.
The Philippines have moved up four places to 34th, and Japan has jumped five spots to 21st following their Olympic performances. Costa Rica made the largest leap in the Top 100, rising 18 places to 71st, while El Salvador improved by 23 spots to 103rd, both after their performances in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Central American Pre-Qualifiers.
Sports
CAF Confirms Morocco as Host for 2024 Women’s Champions League
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially designated Morocco as the host for the 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League finals. The tournament will take place from November 9 to November 23, as announced on CAF’s official website.
Morocco previously hosted the last edition of this prestigious competition. Among the eight teams competing this year is Nigeria’s champions, Edo Queens. The current title holders are Mamelodi Sundowns from South Africa.
The tournament offers significant financial incentives, with winners receiving $400,000 and runners-up taking home $250,000.
Sports
Messi Matches Ronaldo’s Record with Hat-Trick Against Bolivia
Argentina captain Lionel Messi has equaled Cristiano Ronaldo’s record of 10 international hat-tricks after scoring three times in a dominant 6-0 victory against Bolivia in a 2026 World Cup qualifier.
In addition to his goals, the 37-year-old forward also provided two assists, showcasing his playmaking abilities. With this win, Argentina solidifies its position in the South American qualifiers, currently leading the table three points ahead of second-placed Colombia and six points clear of their arch-rivals Brazil.
On the same evening, Ronaldo’s Portugal faced Scotland in the UEFA Nations League but was held to a frustrating 0-0 draw, leaving the superstar visibly upset post-match.
Sports
Mourinho Targets Barcelona’s Ansu Fati for January Transfer to Fenerbahce
Fenerbahce manager, Jose Mourinho, is reportedly planning a January transfer move for Barcelona forward Ansu Fati. After spending last season on loan at Brighton in the Premier League, Fati, now 21, returned to Barcelona but has struggled for game time under new coach Hansi Flick.
Once considered a potential successor to Lionel Messi, Fati’s limited opportunities at Barça have fueled speculation about a possible departure. According to *AS*, Mourinho is keen to bring the Spain international to the Turkish league, offering him the chance for regular football at Fenerbahce.
Fenerbahce’s sporting director, Mario Branco, is expected to initiate discussions with Fati’s representatives soon, confident that the promise of consistent playing time will help secure the forward’s move.
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