Group A: Nigeria set to defend African crown, DR Congo aim for successful return to FIBA AfroBasket

TUNIS (FIBA AfroBasket 2017) - The most frequently asked question in recent weeks has been if Nigeria can defend their FIBA AfroBasket crown. At first glance, they emerge as the clear-cut favorites to advance from Group A, while the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mali, and Cote d'Ivoire are likely battling for whatever is left on the table.

Tunisia will host Group A, which consists of Nigeria, the DR Congo, Cote d'Ivoire and Mali with the teams that finish in top two advancing to the Final Phase. 

The four-team group will run from September 8-10.

NIGERIA

2015 placing: Champions
Major talking point: Two years ago, Nigeria upset then-defending champions Angola to win their first-ever African title. Meanwhile, a new Federation board brought in a new coaching team, and the Nigerians will look to defend the title with a completely different team.
Absences: Eleven of the twelve players from the 2015 winning team will not play at FIBA AfroBasket 2017. 
Head-to-head dating back to 2005: 4-0 against Mali; 1-0 against DR Congo; 6-1 against Cote d'Ivoire 
Key player: Ike Diogu
The bottom line: Although Nigeria head to Tunis with a completely new team from 2015, the defending champions emerge with arguably the most talented front court, which could be filled by NBA player Daniel Ochefu of the Washington Wizards as well as Deji Akindele and Akin Akingbala.

 DR CONGO

2015 placing: Missed out qualification.
Major talking point: It's been over a decade since the Democratic Republic of Congo last participated in the tournament. Nevertheless, a successful FIBA Africa Zone 4 qualifier earlier this year against FIBA AfroBasket regulars the Central African Republic put the Congolese right back on the African basketball map again. 
Absences: Cristian Eyenga, who was a promising and talented 18-year-old in 2007 when the Congolese last appeared in the tournament, has skipped this year's event. Both NBA stars Bismack Biyombo and Emmanuel Mudiay were expected to represent their country, however, they also have never joined the team's preparations.    
Head-to-head dating back to 2005: 0-1 against Nigeria; the Congolese haven't faced either Mali or Cote d'Ivoire in last two decades. 
Key player: Myck Kabongo and Jericho Aluma.
The bottom line: The Congolese have left a very good impression during their training camp in Tunisia. They aim a successful FIBA AfroBasket return, and realistically speaking, they are capable of making some noise in Tunis.

COTE D'IVOIRE

2015 placing: 12th
Major talking point: Two years ago, the Ivoirians registered their worst result ever in the history of the competition. Although the former African champions won two of their five games, they claimed a 12th-Place finish.
However, things they head to Tunis visibly more confident, and the return of Mohamed Kone and the addition of Souleyman Diabate represent a morale booster for the 'Elephants'.  
Absences: Ismael Ndiaye, Mohamed Lamizana, Pape Phillipe Amagou, and Guy Edi just to mention a few won't feature in Tunisia.     
Head-to-head dating back to 2005: 1-6 against Nigeria; 1-3 against Mali; the Ivorians haven't faced the DR Congo since 1995.
Key Player: If available to represent his country for the sixth time at FIBA AfroBasket, Souleyman Diabate could become a game-changer.
The bottom line: A strong start to the tournament against Nigeria is everything Cote d'Ivoire if they are to live up to their expectations of reaching the Final Phase.  

MALI

2015 placing: 7th
Major talking point: Often described as one of the most talented basketball nations in Africa, Mali are yet to live up to their accolades, although they have promised time and time again to prove doubters wrong in Tunisia.  
Absences: Mohamed Tangara has become a key player for Mali in recent years, but the veteran center was nowhere to be seen during the training in Bamako and Tunisia.     
Head-to-head dating back to 2005: 1-6 against Nigeria; 1-3 against Mali; the Ivorians haven't faced the DR Congo since 1995.
Key Player: Ibrahim Djambo has made a splash two years in Tunisia, and he is expected to take the team's leadership role.
The bottom line: If one measures up Mali's competitiveness based on their warm-up games (1-3), then, they might look a struggling team. However, Djambo and Co are capable of making some noise in the competition.

FIBA