Your Complete Guide To The 2025 FIBA Men's AfroBasket

Forbes

2 days ago

From August 12th to 24th, 2025, the eyes of the basketball world will turn to Angola as it hosts the FIBA Men's AfroBasket: the continent's most prestigious basketball tournament. Bringing together Africa's best national teams and top talent, AfroBasket is a celebration of the sport's remarkable growth, rising stars, and enduring rivalries across the continent. This edition promises to be one of the most competitive and exciting in recent memory, reflecting how African basketball has rapidly evolved on the global stage.
AfroBasket in Context: The Rise of African Basketball
Over the past decade, African basketball has undergone a transformation driven by several factors: the emergence of the Basketball Africa League (BAL), greater international exposure of African players through the NBA and EuroLeague, and expanded grassroots development programs. AfroBasket has evolved into a highly competitive tournament that not only crowns the continental champion but also serves as a key qualifier for the FIBA World Cup and the Olympic Games.
Tunisia enters this tournament as the reigning champions and will attempt to become the first nation since Angola to claim three consecutive AfroBasket titles. Meanwhile, Angola, a basketball powerhouse with 11 titles, is eager to reclaim the crown on home soil after a decade without winning the trophy. Other nations such as South Sudan, Senegal, Nigeria, Cameroon, and Côte d'Ivoire bring strong rosters featuring NBA and BAL stars, setting the stage for intense battles.
Teams to Watch: African Basketball's Best and Brightest
Tunisia, ranked fourth in Africa, is the team to beat. Their recent dominance, marked by titles in 2011, 2017, and 2021, reflects a balanced, disciplined squad with solid shooting and defensive intensity. Veterans like Omar Abada, the team's leader in scoring and assists during qualifiers, are joined by new talent that continues to emerge. Under coach Mehdy Mary, Tunisia's tactical discipline and efficient ball movement position them as strong favourites.
Angola's 11 AfroBasket titles make them Africa's most decorated team, but their last victory came in 2013. Hosting the tournament offers both pressure and motivation. Led by NBA and EuroLeague player Bruno Fernando and domestic league stars Childe Dundao, Aboubakar Gakou, and Jilson Bango, Angola blends experienced rim protection with versatile scoring. Coach Josep Claros Canals has focused on improving perimeter shooting and reducing turnovers, which were challenges in qualifiers. The passionate home crowd will be a vital factor as Angola looks to add a 12th title.
South Sudan has become a basketball Cinderella story in recent years, rising to become Africa's top-ranked team in the FIBA Men's World Ranking. Their aggressive and athletic style of play has garnered international attention, with standout players like 2023 BAL MVP Nuni Omot, Wenyen Gabriel, and versatile big man Jo Lual Acuil leading the way. The Bright Stars combine size, speed, and emerging NBA talent, including Kuany Atem Kuany, who is known for his exceptional three-point shooting. Their upcoming debut at the Paris 2024 Olympics has further boosted their confidence and experience as they aim to establish themselves as serious contenders on the continent.
Cameroon's team features an exciting mix of youth and experience, spearheaded by Alfred Aboya's coaching and NBA rookie Yves Missi. With strong rebounding, the best in their qualifying group, and balanced scoring from players like Jeremiah Hill and Williams Narace, the Indomitable Lions have steadily improved. If their shooting efficiency rises and turnovers decrease, Cameroon could challenge the established favourites for a quarterfinal spot.
Nigeria's D'Tigers, champions in 2015, possess undeniable talent but face questions about preparation and offensive consistency. Led by NBA guard Josh Okogie and standout Devine Ike, Nigeria is known for aggressive defense and high steal rates, but has struggled with shooting efficiency and turnovers in qualifiers. Their potential to upset stronger teams remains high if they find cohesion early in the tournament.
Senegal, a powerhouse with five AfroBasket gold medals, enters with renewed energy thanks to emerging talents like Jean-Jacques Boissy, Ousmane Ndiaye and Brancou Badio. Despite some shooting inconsistencies, their rebounding and defense remain among Africa's best.
Côte d'Ivoire, with a rich basketball history including two continental titles and a recent silver medal in 2021, dominated qualifiers with an undefeated record. Veteran leadership from Solo Diabate, combined with versatile scorers like Matt Costello, has given the Elephants a solid foundation to contend for a podium finish.
Group Previews: Battles to Watch
Key Players: Matt Costello (Côte d'Ivoire), Jordan Sakho (DR Congo), Walter Tavares (Cape Verde), Ntore Habimana (Rwanda)
Côte d'Ivoire stands as the favourite after a flawless qualifying campaign. DR Congo's physicality and interior strength, anchored by Sakho, make them formidable challengers. Cape Verde brings elite rim protection with Walter Tavares and a physical defensive style. Rwanda, with a focus on defense and emerging players, aims to surprise.
Key Players: Omar Abada (Tunisia), Jeremiah Hill & Yves Missi (Cameroon), Josh Okogie (Nigeria), Mathias M'Madi (Madagascar)
Tunisia leads this group, seeking a third consecutive title. Cameroon's rebounding and rising NBA talent gives them a real shot to join Tunisia in the knockout stage. Nigeria's defense and star power create potential for surprises, while Madagascar, after a long hiatus, looks to make an impact with disciplined play.
Key Players: Bruno Fernando & Jilson Bango (Angola), Nuni Omot & Jo Lual Acuil (South Sudan), Shannon Evans (Guinea), Naseim Ismail Salem Badrush (Libya)
Angola enters as the favourite on home soil, backed by a passionate crowd and strong interior game. South Sudan's size and athleticism pose a challenge for the top spot. Guinea and Libya bring tenacity and experience, with Libya's Sam Vincent coaching bringing NBA insight.
Key Players: Jean Jacques Boissy, Ousmane Ndiaye & Brancou Badio (Senegal), Aliou Diarra & Oumar Ballo (Mali), Patrick Gardner (Egypt), Ishmael Wainwright (Uganda)
Senegal looks to build on their history with a dominant qualifying run. Mali's defensive grit and size anchored by two-time BAL DPOY Aliou Diarra pose a threat to advancement. Egypt's rich legacy and emerging talent under new coaching bring optimism. Uganda's youthful Silverbacks aim to leverage athleticism and energy to upset higher-ranked foes.
Why AfroBasket 2025 Is a Must-Watch Event
Showcase of Africa's Finest Talent: AfroBasket 2025 brings together a stellar lineup of NBA, BAL and Euroleague stars alongside emerging African basketball phenoms, offering fans a unique opportunity to witness the continent's best athletes competing at the highest level.
A Global Launchpad for African Players: More than just a continental championship, AfroBasket acts as a critical springboard for African players aiming to make their mark on the global basketball stage. The tournament continues to elevate Africa's profile within international basketball, drawing increased attention from scouts, media, and fans worldwide.
Rising Parity Fuels Unpredictable Drama: The gap between traditional powerhouses and rising nations is narrowing, making every game fiercely competitive. This growing parity ensures an electrifying tournament filled with unexpected twists, upsets, and edge-of-the-seat moments from the opening tip-off to the final buzzer.
Vibrant Cultural Celebration and Homegrown Passion: With Angola hosting, AfroBasket 2025 will be infused with rich cultural energy, spirited fanfare, and passionate home crowds, creating an electric atmosphere that celebrates not only basketball but African unity and pride.
What to Expect
Prepare for fast-paced, physical basketball marked by tactical coaching, emerging stars, and fierce rivalries. The tournament is set to deliver unforgettable moments, surprise upsets, and the crowning of a new or returning African basketball king.