CHERBOURG-EN-CONTENTIN (France) - In 2023, Côte d'Ivoire finished 11th at the FIBA Women's AfroBasket in Rwanda.
Now, as the Western African nation gears up to host the 2025 edition of FIBA Africa's flagship women’s basketball competition in July, Djefarima Diawara understands the magnitude of the challenge ahead.
A key player for Côte d'Ivoire in recent times, Diawara is determined to help her country make a lasting impact.
On home soil, she feels a deep sense of responsibility. “We’re going to fight for our country,” she declares.
In Rwanda, Diawara stood out as Côte d'Ivoire's top scorer, averaging 10.3 points per game, along with 2.3 rebounds and 1.7 assists.
Now bolstered by that experience, she is preparing to face Africa's elite teams in Abidjan. "Every player knows the level of the Women's AfroBasket, it's high-level, intense basketball. That's what we experienced in Rwanda," she acknowledged.
Ever since FIBA Africa entrusted Côte d'Ivoire with hosting duties of the biennial tournament, the team's goal is clear: improve on their 2023 performance.
In Kigali, Côte d'Ivoire ended their campaign with a 1-2 record; They suffered a heavy defeat (64-35) in their opener against Rwanda, rebounded with a thrilling 72-69 win over Angola in a game that had the BK Arena buzzing, but fell to Mozambique in the Qualifying round for the Quarter-Finals.
Diawara still reflects on the painful loss to Rwanda. "We didn't deserve to lose that first game. We didn't understand what was happening to us. But afterward, we realized we were missing some key elements and made some mistakes," she said.
As the 2025 African showdown approaches, Côte d'Ivoire are determined to maximise their chances.
Diawara is hopeful that Côte d’Ivoire fans will rally behind the team, as they aim for a spot in the Final Four, something that has not happened since 2009, in Madagascar.
"Reaching the Semi-Finals, at the very least, is the goal I’ve set. I know my teammates feel the same way. We’re going to give it everything we have on the court—we’ll fight to the bitter end to reach that goal."
Diawara, who currently plies her trade for USLG Cherbourg en Cotentin in France’s NF1 league, is under no illusions about the scale of the task ahead. Nigeria, the defending champions and unbeaten in Africa since October 2015, remain the team to see off.
"We must admit that Nigeria are a cut above the rest. They’re disciplined, physical, and always ready. They come to win and leave with the trophy. Their roster changes from one tournament to the next, but their dominance remains," she notes.
Despite Nigeria’s supremacy, Diawara sees opportunities for other nations to challenge for success. “Teams like Senegal, Angola, Mali, and Côte d'Ivoire are in rebuilding phases. It’s up to us to step up and fight for victory. We're playing for our country’s pride, and we’ll give it everything we’ve got," she concludes.
FIBA