2025 AfroBasket: Senegal Outclass Nigeria, Set Up Semifinal Showdown with Mali

2025 AfroBasket: Senegal Outclass Nigeria, Set Up Semifinal Showdown with Mali

By Niyi Busari 

Nigeria’s D’Tigers bowed out of the 2025 FIBA AfroBasket Championship after suffering a 75-91 defeat to Senegal in the quarterfinals on Wednesday night in Luanda, Angola, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The loss ended Nigeria’s hopes of replicating the success of their female counterparts, who recently lifted the women’s continental crown. It also dashed dreams of a second AfroBasket title after their historic triumph in 2015.

D’Tigers had advanced to the last eight unbeaten, but became the second team after Côte d’Ivoire to see their campaign abruptly ended despite an impressive group-stage run.

Senegal’s victory was powered by Valencia guard Brancou Badio, who delivered a masterclass performance. Badio scored a game-high 32 points, dazzling with fearless drives and long-range shooting that Nigeria struggled to contain.

The opening quarter was tightly contested, with both teams exchanging leads before Nigeria edged it 24-23. However, Senegal seized control in the second quarter, sparked by Jean Jacques Boissy’s three-pointer that gave them the lead at 26-24. Another from Amar Sylla stretched the gap, and Nigeria never recovered.

By the third quarter, the Lions had opened up a commanding 24-point advantage. Although D’Tigers fought back in the fourth, Senegal’s early cushion proved decisive.

The five-time AfroBasket champions sealed a semifinal ticket and will face Mali, who stunned Côte d’Ivoire 102-96 after overtime in one of the tournament’s most thrilling games.

Mali’s Aliou Diarra put on a career-defining display, recording 35 points and 16 rebounds, while teammate Mahamane Coulibaly added 24 points to propel the Eagles into their first semifinal since 1999. Côte d’Ivoire’s captain, Solo Diabaté, conceded that Diarra’s brilliance was the decisive factor that ended their 40-year quest for a second AfroBasket crown.

For Nigeria, it is another bitter wait to reclaim continental glory.