Senegal Overpower D’Tigers 91-75 To End Nigeria’s AfroBasket Dreams.
Nigeria’s D’Tigers suffered a crushing defeat in the quarter-finals of the 2025 FIBA AfroBasket Championship, falling 91-75 to a dominant Senegal side on Wednesday at the Pavilhão Multiusos de Luanda in Angola. The loss abruptly ended Nigeria’s hopes of reclaiming the continental title they last won in 2015, leaving fans and players disheartened after a promising campaign.
The Nigerian team, led by head coach Mohammed Abdulrahman, entered the match unbeaten, having topped Group B with commanding victories over Madagascar (77-59), Tunisia (87-66), and Cameroon (99-90). However, Senegal, five-time AfroBasket champions, proved too strong, capitalising on their physicality and sharp shooting to secure a semi-final berth. The defeat came just weeks after Nigeria’s women’s team, D’Tigress, defeated Senegal in the Women’s AfroBasket final, adding a layer of rivalry to the encounter.
The game started competitively, with D’Tigers edging the first quarter 24-23 after a series of lead changes. Senegal’s Jean-Jacques Boissy and Amar Sylla shifted the momentum in the second quarter, combining for key three-pointers to spark a 30-18 run, giving the Lions a commanding 53-42 lead at halftime. The third quarter saw Senegal extend their advantage further, outscoring Nigeria 23-13, with Brancou Badio delivering a standout performance, finishing with a game-high 32 points. Despite a late rally in the fourth quarter, where Nigeria won 20-15, the deficit proved insurmountable.
Nigeria’s Ike Nwamu led his team with 15 points, supported by Stan Okoye and Martins Igbanu, who scored 14 and 12 points respectively. Caleb Agada also contributed 12 points, but NBA star Josh Okogie was limited to just four points, a stark contrast to his 33-point outburst in a group-stage match. Senegal’s dominance on the boards was decisive, securing 53 rebounds compared to Nigeria’s 35, while their 47.1% field goal percentage outshone Nigeria’s 35.6%.
“It hurts. We had high hopes; we had a really good group, but it wasn’t our day,” said Nigeria’s Ike Nwamu after the match. “Senegal came out with more energy, and they deserved the win.” Senegal’s victory propels them into the semi-finals against Mali, keeping their hopes alive for a sixth AfroBasket title, their last coming in 1997.
The loss shifts D’Tigers’ focus to the FIBA Men’s World Cup Qualifying Series in November, as they aim to secure a spot in the 2027 tournament in Qatar. Social media posts on X reflected fans’ disappointment, with some criticising the Nigeria Basketball Federation’s preparation, noting the contrast with D’Tigress’ recent success. Despite the setback, D’Tigers’ spirited group-stage performances showcased their potential, leaving hope for a stronger showing in future competitions.
