AfroBasket 2025 Begins: The Stars Who Will Define the Tournament
Byline: IDNN Sports Desk
The basketball spotlight turns to Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire this Saturday, as the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket 2025 tips off in what is set to be a thrilling, high-stakes competition. With a World Cup qualification spot on the line, the intensity is expected to soar.
From seasoned champions to breakthrough sensations, IDNN profiles five players set to dominate the tournament:
🇳🇬 1. Ezinne Kalu (Nigeria) – The Commander-in-Chief Returns
Team: D’Tigress (Nigeria)
Club: Zhejiang Golden Bulls (China WCBA)
The 2019 AfroBasket MVP, Ezinne Kalu, remains the heartbeat of Nigeria’s push for a historic fifth straight title. Known as a relentless floor general, the US-born guard was Nigeria’s top performer at Paris 2024, averaging 18.5 points and 7 assists against elite opposition, including the USA.
Kalu blends experience, ferocity, and leadership — expect her to dictate pace, break presses, and spearhead Nigeria’s bid for continental immortality.
🇸🇳 2. Ndioma Kané (Senegal) – The Lioness with the Kill Switch
Team: Senegal
Accolades: WBLA MVP, AfroBasket 2026 Pre-Qualifiers All-Star
Senegal’s title dreams rest heavily on Ndioma Kané, the dynamic forward who combines size, agility, and finesse. At the 2026 Pre-Qualifying Tournament, she led Senegal in scoring (16.6 PPG) and rebounding (6.8 RPG), earning a tournament-best 21.4 efficiency rating.
Her ability to stretch the floor, crash boards, and guard multiple positions makes her a matchup nightmare. Expect her to power Senegal’s title chase as they seek their first crown since 2015.
🇺🇬 3. Jane Asinde (Uganda) – The Gazelles’ Relentless Engine
Team: Uganda
Role: Captain | Position: Forward
AfroBasket 2023 MVP finalist Jane Asinde led Uganda’s Zone Five Qualifiers with a towering performance: 18.8 PPG, 10 RPG, 4.8 APG. In the final vs Egypt, she dominated with 19 points, 12 boards, and 5 assists.
Her versatility, composure, and two-way impact have elevated Uganda from hopefuls to serious dark horses in this tournament.
🇲🇱 4. Oummou Koumare (Mali) – The Teen Phenom with Ice in Her Veins
Age: 18
Height: 1.76m
Accolades: 2024 U18 AfroBasket MVP
The youngest star on this list, Oummou Koumare torched the U18 AfroBasket with 22.5 PPG, including a 31-point masterclass vs Nigeria in the final. A born scorer and elite shooter, the teenage guard enters senior competition ready to shock more established names.
There may be learning curves, but Koumare’s swagger and scoring arsenal will make her a fan favorite in Abidjan.
🇨🇮 5. Kariata Diaby (Côte d’Ivoire) – The Tower in the Paint
Team: Côte d’Ivoire
Height: 1.93m
Club: Tango Bourges Basket (France)
As hosts, Côte d’Ivoire’s hopes rest on Kariata Diaby, the dominant center returning to AfroBasket after a seven-year absence. The 2025 French LFB MVP, Diaby averaged 14.3 PPG domestically and 11.5 PPG, 8.1 RPG in EuroLeague action.
At 30, she brings poise, experience, and physicality to a team seeking to break into the AfroBasket elite — starting with their opener in front of home fans.
🏆 AfroBasket 2025: Tip-Off Awaits in Abidjan
With all matches set to take place at the Palais des Sports de Treichville in Abidjan, the 2025 edition of the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket promises fireworks, passion, and legacy-defining performances on one of Africa’s biggest basketball stages.
While the tournament won’t offer a direct ticket to the FIBA Women’s World Cup, the top four teams will qualify for the FIBA Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournaments, where they’ll battle for coveted spots at the 2026 World Cup.
With continental pride and global opportunity on the line, expect nothing less than relentless energy and all-out war on the hardwood.