DTigers AfroBasket Journey Ends With Quarterfinal Defeat To Senegal

Nigeria’s men’s basketball team, D’Tigers, saw their 2025 AfroBasket campaign end on Wednesday after a 91-75 loss to Senegal in the quarterfinals at the Pavilhao Multiusos de Luanda in Angola.

The game brought together two of Africa’s basketball powerhouses, meeting for the ninth time in history. Nigeria entered the clash on the back of three straight group stage victories over Madagascar, Tunisia, and Cameroon. Senegal, on the other hand, had to battle through a playoff against South Sudan to secure their spot in the last eight.

The contest began with Nigeria looking sharp, edging the first quarter by a single point at 24-23. However, the rhythm shifted in the second quarter as Senegal surged ahead with a strong 30-18 run, establishing an 11-point cushion by halftime.

The momentum stayed with the West African rivals in the third quarter as they extended their advantage, leaving D’Tigers chasing the game. Nigeria fought hard in the final quarter, narrowing the gap with a 20-15 performance, but the effort was not enough to overturn the deficit.

Statistics told the story of the night. Nigeria attempted more field goals but converted just 35.6 percent, while Senegal finished with 47.1 percent accuracy. Senegal also dominated on the boards, grabbing 53 rebounds compared to Nigeria’s 35. Both teams managed 14 assists, but Nigeria could not match Senegal’s physical presence inside.

For Nigeria, Ike Nwamu led the scoring with 15 points, while Stan Okoye, Caleb Agada, and Martins Igbanu each added double figures. Senegal’s attack was spearheaded by Brancou Badio with a game-high 32 points, supported by Jean-Jacques Boissy with 19 and Moustapha Pape-Diop with 14.

The result means D’Tigers exit the tournament at the quarterfinal stage, cutting short their hopes of reclaiming the AfroBasket title they last won in 2015. The team will now turn its focus to the FIBA Men’s World Cup Qualifying Series in November, where the goal will be to secure a place at the 2027 tournament in Qatar after missing out in 2023.