Nigeria’s men’s basketball team, D’Tigers, are bracing for a high-stakes AfroBasket 2025 quarterfinal clash with five-time champions Senegal on Wednesday in Luanda, Angola.
The Nigerians stormed through the group stage with a perfect 3–0 record, defeating Madagascar (77–59), Tunisia (87–66), and Cameroon (99–90). Their offensive firepower and depth will be critical as they look to extend their unbeaten run.
Senegal, led by star guard Brancou Badio, arrive at the quarterfinals after overcoming South Sudan 78–65 in a playoff game. They finished Group A with two wins against Uganda (88–53) and Mali (84–70), but stumbled in a 91–77 defeat to Egypt.
Beyond a semifinal ticket and a place in the 2026 FIBA World Cup Qualifiers, this matchup carries added emotional weight. Earlier this year, Nigeria’s women’s team, D’Tigress, defeated Senegal in the AfroBasket semifinal before going on to clinch the title — a victory that still resonates.
For D’Tigers, veteran Stan Okoye, the last active member of Nigeria’s 2015 championship squad, is expected to provide leadership and experience. Team officials say the squad is highly motivated, buoyed by President Bola Tinubu’s reward system for outstanding athletes.
Basketball fans across Africa will be watching closely as two of the continent’s giants battle for supremacy in what promises to be one of the tournament’s most electrifying.
