The 2025 FIBA AfroBasket tournament, hosted by Angola, concluded with Nigeria’s D’Tigers securing a respectable fifth-place finish after 13 days of intense competition. Angola emerged as the dominant force, claiming their 12th continental title with a decisive 70-43 victory over Mali in the final. This triumph solidified Angola’s status as the most successful nation in FIBA AfroBasket history, boasting a flawless 6-0 record throughout the tournament. This marked Angola’s first AfroBasket title since their 2013 victory in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, reaffirming their position as a basketball powerhouse on the continent.
Nigeria’s journey in the tournament, their 20th appearance at the AfroBasket, ended in the quarter-finals following a 91-75 loss to Senegal, who eventually clinched the bronze medal. Despite the quarter-final setback, D’Tigers exhibited promising performances in the earlier stages. Coached by Mohammed Abdulrahman, the team navigated the group phase with victories over Madagascar, Tunisia, and Cameroon, topping Group B with an unblemished record. Their overall performance, coupled with their strong group stage showing, earned them a commendable fifth-place finish in the tournament standings.
Senegal’s victory over Nigeria propelled them towards a third-place finish, showcasing their strength and resilience on the court. Mali, despite their loss in the final, demonstrated impressive form throughout the tournament, securing a well-deserved second-place finish. Cameroon, who fell to Senegal in the battle for bronze, finished in fourth place, demonstrating their competitive spirit and potential. The tournament’s top eight positions were rounded out by Egypt in sixth place, followed by Ivory Coast and Cape Verde, respectively. These rankings reflect the competitive landscape of African basketball and offer insights into the relative strengths of the participating nations.
The 2025 FIBA AfroBasket showcased a blend of established powers and emerging contenders, highlighting the growing depth of basketball talent across the African continent. Angola’s dominant performance underscored their continued reign as a basketball powerhouse, while Nigeria’s commendable fifth-place finish, despite their quarter-final exit, suggests a promising future for the team. The tournament served as a crucial platform for teams to assess their strengths and weaknesses ahead of future international competitions.
With the AfroBasket concluded, D’Tigers now shift their focus to the FIBA Men’s World Cup Qualifying Series, which commences in November. Having missed the 2023 World Cup, Nigeria will be determined to secure a spot in the 2027 edition, scheduled to be held in Qatar. Their performance in the AfroBasket, while not culminating in a medal, will provide valuable experience and momentum as they embark on their qualification journey. The qualifying series will test their mettle against other strong contenders vying for a coveted spot in the global basketball extravaganza.
The 2025 FIBA AfroBasket served as a key milestone in the African basketball calendar, offering a thrilling display of athleticism, skill, and national pride. From Angola’s triumphant title run to Nigeria’s respectable fifth-place finish, the tournament provided a glimpse into the dynamic landscape of African basketball. As teams prepare for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers and beyond, the lessons learned and the experiences gained during the AfroBasket will undoubtedly shape their future endeavors on the international stage. The tournament’s conclusion marks not an end, but a beginning of a new chapter in the ongoing narrative of African basketball.
