South Sudan qualify for 2024 Olympics as top-ranked African side

MANILA (Philippines) - South Sudan is set to participate in the 2024 Paris Olympics as they have finished as the top-ranking African squad at the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023.

The Bright Stars booked their Olympic berths after beating Angola, 101-78, and after Egypt lost to New Zealand, 88-86, in their own Classification Round game. 

"Going to the Olympics is so much better. We did it. This is for y'all."

This was a historic feat for South Sudan, who were playing at the FIBA Basketball World Cup for the first time ever. Consequently, they will see action in the Olympics for the first time ever as well.

"It's unbelievable. It's a dream come true. We became an independent country in 2011. No one ever imagined or dreamed of being in this position," Nuni Omot said. "And now we're going to have the chance to walk across the Olympic stage with our flag. It's unbelievable everything that's happened. Obviously, this is one of the most... I'm so emotional right now. It's one of the best stories, sports stories that's that's came out in a long time. So I'm just I'm just very blessed to be a part of this."

There will be additional automatic spots in the Olympic Qualifying Tournaments for the Africa sides still in contention as they now compete in the Classification Round. As long as these teams do not finish among the bottom five spots in the tournament, they should make it to one of the OQTs in 2024.

South Sudan became the third confirmed team alongside Paris 2024 hosts France and Australia. As such, there are five more automatic berths still up for grabs at the World Cup.

Stay up to date with all the teams in contention with our Olympic qualification tracker, here.

FIBA