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.
Angola defeated Mali 70-43 in the final match to win the tournament on Sunday before a capacity crowd of over 12,000 fans making it the 12th since the Championship began and 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 member, FIBA Africa Central Board, said: “Every game was so competitive that it looked like the final.
“Some games, including 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, were cliff hangers.
“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.
“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,’’ he said.
There are also the Highest Rebounder – 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 Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), said that the Nigerian team, also known as D’ Tigers, gave a good account of themselves, but 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 that would qualify for the FIBA World Cup, Qatar 2027 at the end of the African Qualifiers which starts in November 2025, involving all 16 teams at the Afrobasket, will make the continent of Africa proud.
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