ABIDJAN, Cote d’Ivoire – The much-anticipated 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket is set to commence, bringing together the continent’s elite basketball teams vying for more than just the championship title.
Here are essential details you should know ahead of the 12-team event:
Event Details
The 29th edition of the Women’s AfroBasket will take place from Saturday, July 26 to Sunday, August 3, featuring a total of 28 games. This prestigious tournament will be hosted in Côte d’Ivoire for the first time, with all matches held at the Palais des Sports Treichville, which has a seating capacity of 3,500.
Participating Teams
The tournament comprises 12 teams, categorized into four groups of three:
- Group A: Cote d’Ivoire, Angola, Egypt
- Group B: Mali, Cameroon, South Sudan
- Group C: Senegal, Uganda, Guinea
- Group D: Nigeria, Mozambique, Rwanda
Competition Format
The tournament follows a structured format in which the top team from each group advances to the quarterfinals. The remaining teams will participate in classification rounds to determine their final standings. Notably, teams finishing in the top four will proceed to the semifinals.
What’s at Stake
Apart from claiming the title of African champion, the tournament winner will secure a direct qualification spot for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup, scheduled to be held in Berlin, Germany from September 4-13. The other three semifinalists will also earn a place in one of the qualifying tournaments for this global event.
Historic Contenders
Nigeria, the six-time reigning champions, are aiming for their seventh title and the opportunity to close in on Senegal’s record of 11 championships. The Nigerian team is also targeting an unprecedented fifth consecutive win.
Key Match-Ups
Group A Highlights
The opening game will see Côte d’Ivoire face Egypt. Historically, Côte d’Ivoire has won four of their six meetings, although Egypt won their last encounter in the 2019 classification round. Angola and the hosts will renew their rivalry in a pivotal match as well.
Group B Highlights
A thrilling matchup between Cameroon and Mali on July 28 is anticipated as Cameroon looks to avenge its narrow defeat in 2021.
Group C Highlights
Senegal will open their campaign against Guinea, who are still in search of their first victory against the record champions. Senegal’s previous encounters have often seen them dominate.
Group D Highlights
Rwanda will seek to upset Nigeria in their opening match, looking for redemption after past defeats in critical stages of the competition.
South Sudan’s Debut
The Bright Starlets of South Sudan, having earned a wild card entry, will make their debut at AfroBasket. After finishing third in the Zone 5 Qualifiers, they aim to create a major impact with several talented players ready to showcase their skills.
A Historic Coaching Moment
Nigeria’s head coach Rena Wakama, the 2024 Paris Olympics Coach of the Year, could become the first female coach to win consecutive titles in the Women’s AfroBasket. She stands as the only female head coach competing in this year’s tournament.
Long-Standing Participants
Senegal will make their 26th appearance in this significant tournament, while Angola approaches their 21st. Noteworthy players like Sara Ogoke, participating for the eighth time, demonstrate the enduring presence of seasoned talent in the competition.
As the 2025 Women’s AfroBasket unfolds, the excitement builds with remarkable talent, historic teams, and thrilling matchups set to create a memorable tournament.
