Nigeria’s D’Tigers unbeaten run at FIBA Men’s AfroBasket 2025 came to a crashing halt on Wednesday as Senegal powered to a 91-75 victory in the quarterfinals, led by a dazzling 32-point performance from Brancou Badio.
Nigeria, who had stormed through the group stage with a perfect 3-0 record, became the second team after Côte d’Ivoire to reach the last eight undefeated.
But their title hopes were cut short by a ruthless Senegal side that dominated every major category in the second half.
The opening quarter lived up to its billing, with both teams trading baskets in an electrifying sequence of seven lead changes. Nigeria edged it 24-23, but that was the last time they held the advantage.
On Senegal’s first possession of the second quarter, Jean Jacques Boissy drained a three-pointer to reclaim the lead, before Amar Sylla added another from deep.
From there, Senegal seized total control, going on a 13-5 run and never looking back, and by the third quarter, the Lions had opened up a 24-point lead, effectively sealing Nigeria’s fate.
Turning Point
Senegal’s response after the first break was decisive, two quick three-pointers from Boissy and Sylla exploited Nigeria’s lax defense, shifting momentum permanently and from then on, the contest was a one-sided showcase of Senegalese dominance.
Heroes
Brancou Badio (Valencia) delivered a masterclass, attacking the rim at will and scoring from all angles, his 32 points were the game’s standout performance and carried an MVP feel.
Jean Jacques Boissy, fresh from his MVP-winning campaign with Al Ahly Tripoli in the BAL, was deadly off the bench scoring 21 points, including 5-of-10 from three, reinforcing his status as one of Africa’s most effective sixth men.
Stats Don’t Lie
Rebounding edge: Senegal 53, Nigeria 35 Bench impact: Boissy’s 21 points underscored Senegal’s depth. Game-changer: A 24-point cushion in the third quarter.
Senegal’s superior height and physicality proved telling, while Nigeria’s offense sputtered under the relentless defensive pressure.
Bottom Line
Nigeria may have started AfroBasket 2025 perfectly, but Senegal showed that it’s not about how you start – it’s how you finish. The win sends Senegal into the semifinals for the fifth time since 2013, where they will face Mali, a side they already beat 80-70 in the group stage.
What They Said
Nigeria guard Ike Nwamu: “It hurts. We had high hopes; we had a really good group, a fun group, we all love each other, but it’s part of the game. One team has to win, another has to lose. It was not our day today. They came out with more energy, and we were kind of flat to start. They are a really good team with a lot of high-level players. It was their night tonight.”
Nigeria coach Mohamed Abdulrahman: “On a night we were supposed to bring our A-game, we fell short. I’m not taking any credit away from Senegal — they deserved the win. I’m proud of how we played, though. We have an identity now, and we’re moving forward from it.”