ABIDJAN (Cote d'Ivoire) - With the final 30 games of the 2025 AfroBasket qualifiers taking place from 21-23 February, and with 15 places in the final round at stake, what do people who have faced similar pressures and experiences have to say?
With this in mind, FIBA.basketball shares what some of Africa's basketball greats had to say about the scenario of qualifying for the 2025 showdown in Angola.
Every game is a finals situation. Every point counts. - Romain Sato
Once great - and for many still a powerhouse on the continent - Nigeria went into the final round of qualifying with a 0-3 record. Can they bounce back in Group B and qualify for this year's African showpiece?
And what about the other four teams - Central African Republic, Morocco, Gabon and Guinea - who are yet to win a game?
Will the current leaders of Groups A (DR Congo), B (Cape Verde), C (Senegal), D (Côte d'Ivoire) and E (Tunisia) be able to hold on and finish the qualifiers unbeaten?
This and other questions were the main topics of a chat with former Central African Republic guard and current FIBA Hall of Famer Romain Sato, former Tunisia head coach Adel Tlatli and Egypt's Amr Aboulkheir, a 1988 Olympian who coached his country to their last podium finish at the 2013 AfroBasket.
Tlali, who is credited with building a successful programme with the Tunisian national team, says the team he is most looking forward to watching is South Sudan, although he admits that "it's difficult to pick the three best teams because we don't have the final line-ups [which were only confirmed on 20 February].
The former Tunisia head coach continued: "The best example is Nigeria. One of the best teams in Africa who have lost three games.
"South Sudan have some of the best players, they are big and they compete at a high level."
Tlatli also has his eye on Côte d'Ivoire, who he describes as an experienced side, and Cape Verde.
If Nigeria field a quality side, Tlatli believes they "can qualify", but he believes "Morocco, Gabon, Guinea and Central African Republic" will have a tough time overturning their 0-3 records.
One of Africa's best, Romain Sato, who last represented his native Central African Republic at the 2021 AfroBasket after a successful club career in Europe, had no doubts: "Tunisia, Senegal and Cape Verde" are his top choices for the 2025 AfroBasket qualifiers.
But he admits: "They are all strong teams. It's hard to pick just three. Congo and Côte d'Ivoire are also doing well.
"Nigeria are in a difficult situation. Anything can happen if they decide to show up and fight. "
He continued: "It's tough for the teams who haven't won a game in their group. Every game is a final. Every point counts. I wish them all the best. I'm hoping my country will do well in the next game.
"I always cheer for my country. I'm always proud to watch basketball competitions from the African continent. Every game helps to encourage the next generation to play the sport and compete at a high level for their country. I wish them all the best of luck.
For Amr Aboulkheir, "Egypt, Senegal, Angola, Nigeria and Côte d'Ivoire are top teams in Africa and let's not forget their reputation worldwide," he said.
"As long as Nigeria can bring their main squad, I think they can make it, otherwise they will be out," Aboulkheir said.
Asked about the potential of reigning AfroBasket champions Tunisia, who missed out on qualifying for the 2023 World Cup, Aboulkheir said it would be "great to see Tunisia back at the top of African basketball".
FIBA