Nigeria’s senior men’s basketball team, D’Tigers, have been drawn in Group B alongside defending champions Tunisia, Cameroon, and Madagascar for the 2025 FIBA AfroBasket tournament, scheduled to take place in Angola from August 12 to 24.
The group stage draw, held on Friday in Luanda, Angola’s capital, followed a seeding system based on the latest FIBA world rankings and was witnessed by several African basketball legends.
The 2025 edition marks a significant opportunity for Nigeria to reclaim continental glory, having last won the AfroBasket title in 2015. The team, however, endured a disappointing outing in the last tournament in 2021, crashing out in the pre-quarterfinals following a shock loss to Uganda.
Group B presents a formidable challenge. Tunisia, the reigning champions and three-time winners, notably defeated Nigeria in the 2017 final. Cameroon, runners-up in 2007, bring a competitive squad that could be boosted by the presence of NBA star Pascal Siakam, though his availability remains uncertain.
Madagascar, who debuted alongside Nigeria in 1972, will be making only their fourth appearance at the continental showpiece. Their best finish remains ninth place, achieved during their maiden outing in Dakar.
This year’s tournament will be hosted in two cities: Luanda and Namibe. While Luanda will feature select group-stage matches and all final-phase games, the southern city of Namibe will host the remainder of the group-stage fixtures.
As D’Tigers eye a return to prominence in African basketball, the group stage promises an early test of character, strategy, and depth for the 2015 champions.
