D’Tigers Finish 5th at AfroBasket 2025
Nigeria’s D’Tigers wrapped up the 2025 FIBA AfroBasket tournament in Luanda, Angola, finishing fifth after a 3–1 campaign that showcased resilience in rebuilding.
The team opened strongly with a 76–59 win over Madagascar, followed by victories against Tunisia (87–66) and Cameroon (99–90). Their only loss came in the quarterfinals, where they were defeated 91–75 by Cameroon.
Angola Reclaim Continental Supremacy
Hosts Angola thrilled a sold-out 12,700-capacity Kilamba Arena, completing the tournament with a flawless 6–0 run. They crushed Mali 70–43 in the final to lift their first AfroBasket trophy since 2013 and extend their record to 12 titles.
Mali, meanwhile, celebrated their best-ever finish with silver, while Senegal secured bronze after beating Cameroon 98–72.
Tournament Standouts
Angola’s Childe Dundao was named Most Valuable Player (MVP), headlining the All-Tournament Team alongside compatriot Bruno Fernando, Mali’s Aliou Diarra and Mahamane Coulibaly, and Senegal’s Brancou Badio.
Diarra also finished as the leading rebounder, while Badio emerged top scorer and best three-point shooter.
Nigeria’s Rebuilding Phase
Analysts say D’Tigers’ fifth-place finish highlights progress under a transitional phase. The team displayed grit and offensive energy, though defensive lapses cost them a medal push.
Basketball officials believe the experience will form the backbone of a stronger squad ahead of the 2027 AfroBasket and FIBA World Cup qualifiers.
“We are building a team for the future. This tournament showed our resilience and potential,” a Nigerian Basketball Federation official noted.
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