ABIDJAN (Cote d'Ivoire) - There are so many firsts for 2025 Women's AfroBasket hosts Côte d'Ivoire, but can they live up to expectations?
For starters, Côte d'Ivoire will be hosting the tournament for the first time in its history.
The historic Palais des Sports Trechville in Abidjan will host the biennial event from 25 July to 3 August.
We are working to ensure that Côte d'Ivoire has the best possible team to represent the country - Moussa Diarra, President of Côte d'Ivoire Basketball Federation.
Although they have shown an impressive level of competitiveness in recent years, the Elephants' best result in the tournament's history was a fourth-place finish at the 2009 Women's AfroBasket in Madagascar.
If they win the 12-nation competition, they will become the first host nation to win the tournament in front of their home fans since Nigeria in 2005.
Will there be first-timers in the squad? Probably.
In a recent interview with the local sport-ivoire, the president of the Côte d'Ivoire Basketball Federation, Moussa Diarra, revealed that preparations are underway for a successful tournament.
Third place is the least that Côte d'Ivoire is aiming for at the Women's AfroBasket, that's how the Ivorians see it.
"We have strong teams in the Women's Afrobasket," Diarra admitted, but went on to say that they were aiming for a podium finish. "At least the top three. If we finish third, we'll be happy, and if we finish higher, we'll be even happier."
Two years ago in Kigali, Rwanda, Côte d'Ivoire returned home with a 1-2 record thanks to a win over former African champions Angola.
Now, according to Diarra, the recruitment of foreign-based players is in full swing.
He revealed that Ivorian players based abroad are looking forward to representing their country at the 2025 Women's AfroBasket.
"We are working hard to ensure the best possible organisation for this African Championship. At the same time, we are working to ensure that Côte d'Ivoire has the best possible team to represent the country and to aim for a podium finish in this competition," the official noted.
Diarra went on saying: "We were in France to meet all our players who are playing professionally in European Leagues. We've met them all and they're motivated to come and strengthen the team. We've also made a pre-selection of the best players in Côte d'Ivoire. Training will take place and we'll choose the best."
"We'll bring all these girls together in June to start preparations and have the best possible team for Côte d'Ivoire," Diarra explained.
The 2025 Women's AfroBasket is set to place on 23 April in Abidjan.
FIBA