ABIDJAN (Cote d'Ivoire) - Twelve countries began their exciting journeys to qualify for the 2025 FIBA AfroBasket in February as Cairo hosted Group D and Monastir Groups B and E.
The remaining 8 teams that form Groups A and C will enter the action in the second window of the Qualifiers in November.
Here are some standout moments from the first window:
Libya stun favourites to move closer to qualification
Libya concluded their first round of the 2025 FIBA AfroBasket Qualifiers with a remarkable 2-1 record thanks to wins over Nigeria and Uganda and a tough loss to Cape Verde in Group B.
This was an extraordinary performance for a team that last competed at a major continental competition back in 2009 when the country last hosted the African Championship in Benghazi and Tripoli. The side was, back then, not ranked as a result of their lack of participation at FIBA Africa competitions in recent years. They now rank 17th.
What’s more, the side beat Morocco 146-138 on aggregate in a two-game Pre-Qualifiers series and were the second most supported side in Monastir during the first window played in February.
Robinson Opong ‘keeping it in the family’
Silverback’s Robinson Opong broke his teammate Ishmail Wainwright’s AfroBasket Qualifiers scoring record in a single game of the new format of the Qualifiers, dropping 39 as the Uganda national team beat Nigeria 72-62 in a Group B encounter.
Wainwright’s previous record of 36 was against Cape Verde in the second window of the 2021 AfroBasket Qualifiers in Alexandria, Egypt.
Madagascar bags maiden victory
Elly Randriamampionona, was the star of the show as the Malagasy side picked a 76-69 victory over Central Africa Republic (CAF) who finished 13th in the last AfroBasket edition to place third in Group D with a 1-2 ratio.
The lethal three-point shooter led the scores with 22 points, a game-high 7 assists, and 4 steals to propel his side to what was a historic feat, the country's first-ever AfroBasket Qualifiers win.
Nigeria finish winless
The sixth-ranked African side, D’Tigers, finished winless against sides ranked lower, the result coming as no surprise for the team that arrived in Tunisia just in time for the competition after initial reports they had withdrawn.
Nigeria were out to redeem themselves after failing to qualify for the Paris Olympics.
They opened their campaign with an 89-82 loss to Libya in overtime. 26-year-old Mike Nuga led the charge for the Abdulrahman Mohammed-coached side.
Losses to Uganda (72-62) and 2021 fourth-placed Cape Verde(78-62) leave Nigeria with a herculean task in the final Qualifying Window in February 2025.
NFL’s loss, Cape Verde’s gain as Santos Silva stars
Cape Verde turned on the style and won all three games just months after making their bow at the FIBA Basketball World Cup.
Marcos Santos Silva who tried to make it with two American football sides in 2022 and 23 before returning to basketball, led the side, averaging 11.7 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists.
Moulare makes a name for himself as Cote d'Ivoire remain perfect
France-based point guard's presence was felt on both ends of the court and it is little wonder he finished with the highest assists per game ratio of 6.3 as Cote d'Ivoire won all three matches to rank above hosts Egypt.
Assemian Moulare accumulated 19 assists in the three matches, 5 against Egypt and the rest divided equally between Madagascar and CAF in Group D.
At 21, his confidence on the ball and movement off it point to a player who has mastered his craft and is headed for glory.
Guinea leave a mark despite 0-3 run
American-Guinean point guard Shannon Evans and power forward Cheick Sekou Conde had standout performances, averaging 23.3 and 20 points respectively, more than any other players from their Group, despite their side losing all three matches.
Their biggest loss came in an 85-78 outcome against holders Tunisia, a match that was decided in overtime after a fourth-quarter comeback (18-15, 19-14,19-18,27-17) for the West Africans.
Tunisia went 12-5 ahead in OT to win. They lost their opener 76-70 to Angola and 80-74 to Kenya in the third game.
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