Nigeria’s D’Tigers are set to face off against Senegal in a highly anticipated quarterfinal match of the AfroBasket 2025 tournament. After dominating Group B with a flawless 3-0 run, the team is riding high on momentum and is poised to leverage its offensive depth in this high-stakes match. The D’Tigers’ victories over Madagascar (77-59), Tunisia (87-66), and Cameroon (99-90) have set the stage for a thrilling encounter against a formidable Senegalese team.
Senegal, a five-time AfroBasket champion, has secured their quarterfinal spot with a 78-65 playoff win over South Sudan. Despite a 2-1 group stage record, which included wins against Uganda (88-53) and Mali (84-70) but a loss to Egypt (91-77), the team is confident and ready for the challenge. Led by standout Brancou Badio, Senegal’s physical prowess and rich tournament history make them a force to be reckoned with.
The D’Tigers are highly motivated, especially with the support of President Bola Tinubu’s reward system for successful athletes. The team is also drawing inspiration from the women’s team, D’Tigress, who beat Senegal in the semifinals of the Women’s AfroBasket earlier this year and went on to win the championship. This added motivation could give the D’Tigers an edge as they vie for a semifinal berth and a spot in the 2026 FIBA Basketball World Cup Qualifying Tournaments.
One key player to watch is Stan Okoye, the only remaining player from Nigeria’s 2015 championship squad. His experience and leadership could play a big role in guiding the team through this critical stage of the tournament. With the D’Tigers’ current form and Okoye’s expertise, Nigeria is hopeful of making a deep run in the competition.
The quarterfinal match against Senegal promises to be an exciting encounter, with both teams eager to progress to the semifinals. The D’Tigers will need to bring their A-game to overcome the formidable Senegalese team. With the momentum on their side, the D’Tigers are confident of emerging victorious and continuing their pursuit of the championship.
