By Joe Apu
Reigning champions and dominant force in African women’s basketball, Nigeria have been drawn into Group D alongside Mozambique and Rwanda for the upcoming 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket in Abidjan.
The draw ceremony, held on Wednesday at the Hôtel des Armées in the Ivorian capital, confirmed the groupings for the 12-nation tournament, which will run from July 26 to August 3 at the Palais des Sports de Treichville.
Nigeria, who will begin their title defence in the group stage, come into the competition as four-time consecutive champions, having lifted the trophy in Mali (2017), Senegal (2019), Cameroon (2021), and most recently in Rwanda (2023). Their consistency and dominance make them clear favourites as they seek an unprecedented fifth straight title.
Under the tournament format, group winners will qualify directly for the quarter-finals. Teams finishing second and third will enter a playoff round to vie for the remaining quarter-final slots.
The draw was conducted in the presence of FIBA Africa President Anibal Manave and Regional Director Alphonse Bilé, signaling the official countdown to a tournament that promises high-intensity action and continental pride.