Nigeria’s D’Tigers have been eliminated from the 2025 FIBA AfroBasket after a 91-75 defeat to Senegal in the quarter-finals. The 2015 champions had advanced from Group B with victories over Madagascar, Tunisia, and Cameroon, but fell short against their West African rivals in Angola.
Senegal, led by standout performers Brancou Badio and Jean Jacques Boissy, dominated much of the game, especially in the second half, to book their fifth straight AfroBasket semi-final spot since 2013.
Head coach Mohammed Abdulrahman admitted disappointment but praised his side’s effort. “On a night we were supposed to bring our A-game, we fell short… I am proud of how we played. We have an identity now and we are just moving from it,” he said.
Co-captain Ike Nwamu shared similar feelings, noting: “It hurts. We had high hopes, but it’s part of the game. They came out with more energy… It was not our day.”
The National Sports Commission commended D’Tigers for their resilience, describing the campaign as a foundation for future success.