The race for the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket title is heating up in Abidjan as hosts Côte d’Ivoire, defending champions Nigeria, Uganda, and Mali have all secured direct spots in the quarterfinals after topping their respective groups.
The group stage concluded on Sunday, July 28, with each of the four teams finishing first in Groups A, B, C, and D respectively, thus bypassing the qualification playoffs and advancing straight to the final eight.
Côte d’Ivoire impressed with a perfect 2-0 record in Group A, stunning continental giants Egypt and Angola with the energy of a passionate home crowd behind them.
In Group B, Mali, a consistent contender and 2021 finalist, controlled their group with disciplined performances, including a narrow 55-53 win over wildcard entry South Sudan in their opening game.
Uganda’s Gazelles delivered one of the tournament’s biggest surprises by edging Senegal in overtime to top Group C. Led by captain Jane Asinde and sharpshooter Paige Robinson, Uganda is enjoying a historic campaign in Abidjan.
Meanwhile, Nigeria reaffirmed their dominance in Group D with a hard-fought 60-55 victory over Mozambique, extending their AfroBasket winning streak to 26 games.
Despite limited preparation, Rena Wakama’s side has shown once again why they remain the continent’s team to beat as they chase a record-extending fifth consecutive title.
With Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, Uganda, and Nigeria already through, the remaining four quarterfinal slots will be decided in the qualification playoffs on Tuesday, July 30.
The day will tip off at 12:00 PM GMT with Mozambique facing Guinea, followed by a clash between Egypt and South Sudan at 3:00 PM. In the evening session, Rwanda will take on Senegal at 6:00 PM, before the action wraps up with a showdown between Cameroon and Angola at 9:00 PM.
Winners will join the four group leaders in the quarterfinals, completing the elite eight. From there, the Road to the Championship begins in earnest, as teams aim to dethrone Nigeria or watch them extend their reign, which began in 2015.
The quarterfinals are scheduled for July 31, followed by the semifinals on August 2, with the final showdown set for August 3 at the Palais des Sports de Treichville.
