Nigeria, Uganda, Côte d’Ivoire, And Mali Secure Quarter-Final Spots In 2025 Women’s AfroBasket.
The 2025 Women’s AfroBasket has reached an exhilarating stage, with Nigeria, Uganda, Côte d’Ivoire, and Mali emerging as the first teams to secure their places in the quarter-finals. Hosted in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, the tournament has showcased the finest talent in African women’s basketball, with these four nations leading the charge after stellar performances in the group stage.
Nigeria, the reigning champions, continued their dominant run with a hard-fought 60-55 victory over Mozambique, maintaining an unbeaten streak that stretches back to 2015. Led by the dynamic Ezinne Kalu, the D’Tigresses displayed resilience and tactical prowess to clinch their spot as Group D winners. Their quest for a historic fifth consecutive title remains firmly on track, with fans eagerly anticipating their next challenge.
Côte d’Ivoire, buoyed by a passionate home crowd, delivered a statement performance, defeating Angola 82-74 to finish the group stage with a perfect 2-0 record. The Elephants, under the guidance of new head coach Stéphane Leite, showcased their depth and determination, with American-Ivorian Ameryst Alston and Molly Kaiser leading the charge. This marks a significant improvement from their 2023 campaign, as they aim to become the first host nation to claim the title since Nigeria in 2005.
Uganda, making their second consecutive AfroBasket appearance, stunned onlookers with a thrilling 73-70 upset over Senegal, the tournament’s most decorated team. The Gazelles, spearheaded by standout forward Jane Asinde, have solidified their reputation as a rising force in African basketball. Their qualification underscores the rapid growth of the sport in Uganda, with the team poised to build on their seventh-place finish in 2023.
Mali rounded out the quartet with a commanding 75-49 victory over Cameroon, reinforcing their status as perennial contenders. The Lionesses, coached by Otis Hughley Jr., combined experienced players with emerging talent to secure their quarter-final berth. With eight AfroBasket medals to their name, Mali remain a formidable threat as they eye a return to the podium for the first time since 2007.
The tournament, held at the Palais des Sports de Treichville, continues to captivate audiences with its high-stakes action. The top four teams not only vie for continental glory but also compete for a direct ticket to the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Berlin, with the remaining semi-finalists earning spots in the global qualifying tournaments. As the knockout phase looms, Nigeria, Uganda, Côte d’Ivoire, and Mali have set the stage for an electrifying battle, while the remaining eight teams prepare for the classification round to fight for the final quarter-final spots.
With Abidjan buzzing with excitement, the 2025 Women’s AfroBasket promises more thrilling encounters as these powerhouse teams chase history. The basketball world will be watching closely to see who emerges triumphant in this fiercely competitive tournament.
