End of the Road – Senegal Knock Nigeria out in AfroBasket Quarter-finals

Nigeria’s D’Tigers saw their 2025 AfroBasket journey come to a painful halt after suffering a 91-75 defeat to the Lions of Senegal in the quarter-finals in Luanda.

The matchup carried extra weight, with Nigeria having beaten Senegal on their way to a historic first AfroBasket crown in 2015. This time, however, the Lions had revenge firmly on their minds.

The opening quarter was tightly contested, with the Tigers striking first before Senegal battled back to edge it 24-23. In the second quarter, the Lions seized control, starting with a 6-0 run and pulling further clear to take an 11-point lead into halftime at 53-42.

Senegal came out blazing in the third quarter, extending their dominance with another surge that gave them a 20-point cushion. The period ended 22-15 in their favour, stretching the scoreline to 76-56.

The Tigers attempted a late rally in the fourth, opening with a 6-0 burst and eventually winning the quarter 20-15. But by then, the damage was already done, and Senegal held firm to seal a 91-75 victory.

For Nigeria, it was a tough exit after showing flashes of fight but falling short against a well-drilled Lions side. For Senegal, the triumph keeps alive their quest for a record-equalling sixth AfroBasket title.