Nigeria’s D’Tigers Exit 2025 FIBA AfroBasket After Quarter-Final Loss to Senegal

 

The Nigerian D’Tigers and Senegal team during the 2025 Afriobasket match

Nigeria’s D’Tigers have been eliminated from the 2025 FIBA AfroBasket, following a 91-75 defeat to Senegal in the quarter-finals held in Angola. The loss ends Nigeria’s hopes of reclaiming the continental title, ten years after their last championship in 2015.

Strong Group Stage Performance

D’Tigers had entered the knockout stages on the back of an impressive Group B performance, securing victories against Madagascar, Tunisia, and Cameroon. Despite these wins, they were unable to overcome their West African rivals in the crucial quarter-final clash.

Senegal’s Dominance

Senegal, led by standout performers Brancou Badio and Jean Jacques Boissy, controlled much of the game, particularly in the second half, securing their fifth consecutive AfroBasket semi-final appearance since 2013. Their energy and consistency proved decisive against a valiant Nigerian side.

Coach and Player Reactions

Head coach Mohammed Abdulrahman expressed his disappointment but praised his team’s effort, emphasizing that the squad has built a clear identity for the future. He stated:

“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.”

Co-captain Ike Nwamu echoed his coach’s sentiments:

“It hurts. We had high hopes, but it’s part of the game. They came out with more energy… It was not our day.”

National Sports Commission Commends D’Tigers

The National Sports Commission praised the team for their resilience and professionalism, noting that the campaign provides a strong foundation for future success. Despite the early exit, officials remain optimistic about Nigeria’s long-term basketball prospects and the development of emerging talents in the squad.

While the quarter-final defeat is a setback, the D’Tigers’ performance in Group B and the effort displayed against Senegal highlight Nigeria’s growing strength in African basketball. The team will now focus on rebuilding and preparing for upcoming international tournaments, with lessons from the 2025 AfroBasket guiding their path forward.

Fans and stakeholders are hopeful that this experience will foster development, strengthen team cohesion, and inspire future generations of Nigerian basketball players