Women’s AfroBasket 2025 Begins in Abidjan with Top Teams Competing

The 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket tournament has commenced in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, featuring 12 national teams competing for continental supremacy and qualification spots for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup. Côte d’Ivoire, hosting the tournament for the first time, opens their campaign against Egypt with ambitions to make history as the first host nation to win since 2005, bolstered by the leadership of coach Stéphane Leite and the potential addition of former WNBA player Kariata Diaby. Nigeria’s D’Tigress, reigning champions pursuing a fifth consecutive title, top the FIBA power rankings and are seen as the team to beat, having recently marked historic progress by reaching the Olympic quarterfinals. Senegal, a strong contender with 11 previous titles and under new coach Otis Hughley, started their campaign with a dominant victory over Guinea and are motivated to end a decade-long title drought. Mali is also highlighted as a formidable competitor, strengthened by key players such as Washington Mystics forward Sika Kone and recent warm-up wins against Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire. The tournament promises intense competition, with teams deploying strategic preparations and aiming to reshape the African women’s basketball landscape.