NIGERIA have secured a semi-final spot at the 2025 AfroBasket Women’s Cup in Côte d’Ivoire and a place in the 2026 FIBA World Cup qualifiers.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that six-time champions, D’Tigress, reached the last four by beating Cameroon 83-47 to continue their title defence.
Nigeria dominated the first quarter 21-9, but Cameroon fought back and levelled the second quarter 20-20, showing brief signs of a comeback.
However, Cameroon lost momentum and were overwhelmed 25-2 in the third quarter by a relentless D’Tigress side.
D’Tigress wrapped up the match by edging the final quarter 17-16, sealing their emphatic victory and progress to the semi-finals.
Meanwhile, Senegal defeated hosts Côte d’Ivoire 66-60 in a closely contested match to reach the semi-finals and book their World Cup qualifiers place.
In another quarter-final match on Thursday, Mali outclassed Mozambique 86-68 in an entertaining display of skill and teamwork.
Mali’s win confirmed their qualification for the FIBA World Cup qualifiers. South Sudan also progressed, edging Uganda 69-68 in a tense game.
The semi-finalists now join a pool of 24 national teams for the FIBA World Cup qualifying tournaments.
These qualifying tournaments will decide the 16 teams to compete at the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Germany.
From the Americas, Brazil, Argentina, USA, Canada, Puerto Rico, and Colombia have all qualified for the next stage.
Germany, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Belgium, France, Italy, Spain and Turkey will represent Europe in the qualifiers.
Asia and Oceania will be represented by Japan, China, Korea, the Philippines, New Zealand, and Australia. (NAN)
