FIBA AfroBasket 2025 Qualifiers Smart Power Rankings : Volume 1

MONASTIR (Tunisia) - The first 12 of 20 teams are set take to the court in Cairo and Monastir to mark the start of the race to the 2025 FIBA AfroBasket, but where do they stand?

FIBA.basketball brings you an insight and perspective on the exciting race to next year’s African Championship.

Get your popcorn ready for the first window of 2025 AfroBasket Qualifiers (February 23-25).
Here’s how the 12 national teams rank:

#1 EGYPT 

FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 31

It’s not just the home-court advantage that makes Egypt the highest-ranked team in the opening window of the 2025 qualifiers, it’s the togetherness factor that they have built over the last few years. More than half of this group of players have contributed massively to the pharaohs’ success at major competitions, including a decent display at 2023 FIBA Basketball World. cup. Former head coach Roy Rana paved the way for Egypt’s current excellent form, but the Canadian has now passed the baton to Henrik Rodl, who helped Germany to a successful 2021 Olympic Qualifying Tournament.

#2 COTE D'IVOIRE 

FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 33

The fact that Natxo Lezkano is back at the helm of a team he led to a second-place finish at 2021 AfroBasket and played a major in qualifying the Elephants to the last World Cup, speaks volumes. The Spaniard knows and can explore this team’s potential like no other. Cohesion and desire to build a solid and championship-winning team makes Cote d’Ivoire side a force to be reckoned with.

#3 CAPE VERDE 

FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 46

A lot has been said about the impact of Walter Tavares on Cape Verde’s rotation. A terrific shot blocker who has just helped Real Madrid to the 2024 Super Cup title, Tavares is expected to be the islanders’ main weapon in the absence of injured Ivan Almeida. But what makes the Blue Sharks a threat to opponents is their tireless attitude and tenacity to always fight until the final buzzer. They still carry their 2023 World Cup historic showing, and keep the momentum in the AfroBasket qualifiers.

#4 TUNISIA 

FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 36

What makes this qualifying window a special event for Tunisia is their attempt to correct their recent wrongs and protect their home-court, something that they failed to do when the reigning African champions finished 1-2 in the same Monastir venue in the 2023 World Cup qualifiers. Since then, Tunisia tried everything they possibly could to stay relevant. From parting ways with three different reputable coaches to trying to inject younger players. The thing is, little worked out, and, veterans Makram Ben Romdhane, Slimane Radhouan and Makhtar Ghayaza - are back to try to keep Tunisia a force that dominated African basketball in recent years.

#5 ANGOLA 

FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 34

Angola’s 101-78 defeat to South Sudan at 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup tells a story of a sleepy African giant, but if one meets and analyses the young team, chances are they will realise how desperate the eleven-time African champions are trying to bounce back. Taking on home side Tunisia, Guinea and Kenya in Group E might seem a daunting task, but as Gerson Lukeny Gonçalves puts it: “We are still Angola and we are to fight.”

#6 UGANDA 

FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 87

It turns out that Ishmail Wainwritgt isn’t joining the Silverbacks in Monastir, but the experienced group of players won’t be going down without a fight. The likes of Robinson Opong, James Okello, Titus Odeko and Brandon Ssebirumbi are expected to give Tunisia, Angola and Guinea, some tough time. Goals in Monastir? “To win as many games as possible in the opening window of the qualifiers,” according to experienced head coach Mandy Juruni.

#7 NIGERIA 

FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 37

By the time of writing, Nigeria’s participation in the AfroBasket qualifiers was still in doubt, but the roster D’Tigers put out indicates a team that can cause some damage.

#8 CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC

FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 84

The Central Africans are expected to show up in Cairo with one of the most solid group of players, but facing high-flying Egypt, Cote d’Ivoire and an ambitious Madagascar might be challenging task to a team that can compete against any team, but has difficult to close out games in critical moments.

#9 GUINEA 

FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 79

If Shannon Evans, Alpha Diallo and Mohamed Queta are available for the Monastir showpiece, Guinea might be the surprising side in this opening window of the qualifiers. Queta, a 6-foot-11 power forward who can shoot from outside, is everything coach Zecevic needs battle against Tunisia’s towering opposition. Evans and Diallo can add their Euroleague experience when Guineans need it most.

#10 KENYA 

FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 98

‘’The ambition is to prove that Kenya belongs’’, said forward Joel Awich when asked to share his thoughts on the Morans’ AfroBasket qualifiers’ expectations. Indeed, Kenya may not be counting on their inspirational leader Tylor Ongwae, but the presence of Awich, Ariel Okal and Albert Odero gives the East Africans reassurance of a decent campaign in Monastir.

#11 MADAGASCAR 

FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 120

The islanders of Madagascar tend to pay the price for their small stature when facing taller and heavier opposition, but they are allowed to implement their fast-break style of play combined with their lethal three-point shooting, then opponents shouldn’t take them slightly.

#12 LIBYA 

FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: N/A

They shut down a Morocco team that was seen as highly favourite in the Pre-Qualifiers, now Libya are hoping to keep shocking the African basketball community. Mohamed Sadi and Jalal Salem Saeid are two names to keep an eye on, especially the later who has done a bit of everything during the two-game Pre-Qualifiers series against Morocco. Can Libya keep the momentum going? Sure thing, they say.

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