By Oluwatobiloba Adeoye, Abidjan | Sunday, August 3, 2025
ABIDJAN, Côte d’Ivoire — The stage is set for a historic showdown in the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket final, as defending champions Nigeria square off against perennial rivals Mali in what promises to be one of the most anticipated title games in tournament history.
The final — taking place tonight, Sunday, August 3, at the Palais des Sports de Treichville — will not only crown Africa’s best women’s basketball team but also settle a decade-long score between two dominant forces on the continent.
A Rivalry Forged in Fire
This isn’t just another final — it’s a rivalry renewed. Since their first memorable AfroBasket encounter in 2011, when Mali knocked Nigeria out in the semifinals in Bamako, these two powerhouses have been locked in a tug-of-war that has defined the competition for over a decade.
Their head-to-head record since 2011 is evenly split at 3–3, but Nigeria has had the upper hand in recent years, including wins in the 2017 semifinals, 2019 group stage, and the 2021 championship game in Yaoundé.
Two Unbeaten Juggernauts
Both Nigeria and Mali arrive at the final undefeated, sweeping their respective groups and dominating the knockout stages.
- Nigeria (4–0) breezed through Mozambique and Rwanda in Group D, crushed Cameroon 83–47 in the quarterfinals, and outlasted Senegal 75–68 in a thrilling semifinal.
- Mali (4–0) handled South Sudan and Cameroon in Group B, overwhelmed Cameroon again in the quarterfinals (86–68), and dispatched South Sudan 76–50 to punch their ticket to the final.
A Final Filled with Familiar Faces
This year’s final mirrors the 2021 championship — both teams remain largely intact, with eight players each returning from that battle in Yaoundé.
For Nigeria, key veterans like Amy Okonkwo, Ezinne Kalu, Promise Amukamara, and Victoria Macaulay will once again shoulder the responsibility. Mali will rely on stars such as Sika Koné, Djeneba N’Diaye, and Rokia Doumbia to finally dethrone the queens of African basketball.
By the Numbers: Who Has the Edge?
| Category | Nigeria | Mali |
|---|---|---|
| Points Per Game | 77.5 | 73 |
| FG% | 42.6% | 41% |
| 3P% | 26.4% | 21% |
| Rebounds/Game | 42.5 | 48.5 |
| Assists/Game | 17.5 | 22 |
| Blocks/Game | 5.3 | 2.5 |
| Efficiency | 94.8 | 89.9 |
Mali leads in rebounding and assists, driven largely by Koné’s dominance inside. However, Nigeria has been more efficient, shoots better from the perimeter, and is far more disruptive defensively — key ingredients for late-game success.
Players to Watch
- 🟢 Nigeria:
- Amy Okonkwo (12.8 PPG) – A versatile scorer and floor spacer.
- Ezinne Kalu – The ultimate game-changer with experience, grit, and leadership.
- 🟡 Mali:
- Djeneba N’Diaye (12.5 PPG) – Deadly from mid-range.
- Sika Koné (10.5 RPG, 14.8 EFF) – Mali’s anchor in the paint with two double-doubles in four games.
What’s at Stake
Beyond the gold medal and continental bragging rights, tonight’s winner will automatically qualify for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Berlin, while the top four teams advance to global qualifying tournaments.
For Nigeria, victory would mean a record-tying sixth AfroBasket title, and a historic fifth consecutive championship — a feat no African team has ever achieved. For Mali, it’s a chance to rewrite the narrative and reclaim the crown they last wore in 2007.
Tip-Off Time
🗓 Sunday, August 3, 2025
🕕 6:00 PM (WAT)
🏟 Palais des Sports de Treichville, Abidjan
Bottom Line
This final isn’t just about stats. It’s about legacy.
Will Nigeria cement their dynasty with a fifth straight crown?
Or will Mali rise to reclaim their place atop African basketball?
One game. One title. One champion.
