From Peter Ejiofor, London
Luanda (Angola), Aug. 25, ’25 (TNZ) Retired Col. Sam Ahmedu, a member of the FIBA Africa Executive Committee, says he is impressed with the standard of play at the 2025 FIBA Afrobasket Men’s Tournament just concluded in Luanda, Angola.
TheNewsZenith reports that Angola defeated Mali 70-43 in the final match to win the tournament on Sunday.
The tournament was played before a capacity crowd of over 12,000 fans, making it the 12th since the Championship began.
It etched the country’s name as Africa’s most successful in the history of the competition.
Ahmedu, who is also the President of FIBA Africa Zone Three and a member of the FIBA Africa Central Board.
“Every game was so competitive that it looked like the final.
“Some games were cliff hangers. These include the quarter-final matches, Côte D’Ivoire vs Mali, Cape Verde vs Angola and the toughest semi-final clash between Angola and Cameroon that ended 74 -73.
“This underscores the parity between the teams at the tournament.
“I’m also happy that with this improvement came the emergence of new stars from all the teams which include: Jean Jacque Boissy, the Senegalese Shooting Guard who scored 40 points in the 3rd place game.
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“An African record, MVP diminutive Childe Dondao of Angola who lifted and sparked the team when the need arose, Highest Scorer and Best 3-point field goals shooter – Brancou Badio of Senegal,’’ TheNewsZenith quotes Ahmedu as saying.
There are also the highest rebounders: Aliou Diarra of Mali, Mahamane Coulibaly also of Mali, and Bruno Fernando of Angola.
In the Big Men category, Missi Yves of Cameroon, Akubundu Ehiogu of Nigeria and Ibou Badji of Senegal were also outstanding. And lots more, Ahmedu said.
Ahmedu, also a member of the board of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), said that the Nigerian team gave a good account of themselves.
But the D’Tigers could have advanced further with better preparation.
He noted that the D’Tigers showed a lot of promise, which could be built upon with the invitation of additional high-quality players and proper preparation.
Ahmedu expressed optimism that the five African teams will qualify for the FIBA World Cup, Qatar 2027, at the end of the African Qualifiers.
The African Qualifiers start in November, involving all 16 teams at the Afrobasket, and will make the continent of Africa proud. (TNZ).
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