By Joe Apu
Senegal advanced to the quarterfinals of the AfroBasket 2025 after a commanding 78-65 victory over South Sudan in a high-stakes qualifier at the Pavilhao Multiusos de Luanda on Monday night and set up a much-anticipated showdown against Nigeria today for a semi-final spot.
In a clash between two of the tallest teams on the continent, Senegal’s Lions of Teranga took control early, showcasing stifling defense and fluid offensive play. Team captain Brancou Badio led by example, delivering a game-high 31 points to keep Senegal’s title hopes alive.
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Nigeria had already secured their quarter-final berth with a perfect 3-0 record in Group B, following a thrilling 99-90 win over Cameroon at the Pavilhao Multiusos de Kilamba on Sunday.
Six Nigerian players finished in double figures, with Josh Okogie leading the D’Tigers with 16 points. Caleb Agada added 15, Stan Okoye had 14, while Christian Mekowulu and Ike Nwamu each scored 12. Martins Igbanu rounded out the top scorers with 10 points.
Cameroon kept pace in the first quarter, trailing just 28-25, with Jeremiah Hill scoring seven of his 16 points before leaving the game with a knee injury. Fabien Ateba (19 points) and Yves Missi (18) led the scoring for the Indomitable Lions, but Nigeria’s superior depth and long-range shooting—highlighted by Okoye’s perfect 4-for-4 from beyond the arc—proved decisive.
Nigeria’s dominance in the second quarter, outscoring Cameroon 30-16, laid the foundation for the victory and ensured a direct path to the quarterfinals.
While Nigeria holds a 5-3 record over Senegal in previous meetings, this encounter won’t be any easier for D’Tigers as they will face a determined Terenga Lions with height advantage to their credit. Perhaps Coach Abdulrahman and his technical bench will have to adopt the inside play to score and outpace the Senegalese side.
With both teams now set for a mouthwatering quarterfinal clash, fans can expect a fierce battle between West African heavyweights as AfroBasket 2025 heads into its final stages.
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