Introduction
Heading into the last day of qualification, Group B remains wide open with all four teams still in contention for a place in the 2025 AfroBasket. Cape Verde leads the standings with 8 points, tied with hosts Libya, but ahead on goal difference after a thrilling 3-2 showdown. Nigeria and Uganda follow closely on 7 points each, making the final day a decisive one for qualification.
Nigeria Reclaims Momentum with Dominant Win Over Uganda
TRIPOLI (Libya) – The battle for the 2025 AfroBasket slots intensified as Nigeria secured a crucial second win to re-enter the qualification conversation, while Libya ended Cape Verde’s unbeaten run to set up a dramatic final day.
Powered by Caleb Agada and Ike Nwamu, Nigeria avenged their 72-62 loss to Uganda in the February 2024 window with a commanding 87-67 victory, moving to 2-3 in the standings. Uganda remained competitive for three quarters, but Mandy Juruni’s side collapsed in the final six minutes, allowing Nigeria to close the game on a stunning 20-1 run.
Agada and Nwamu combined for 38 points, with Agada scoring two more as the duo added seven assists and five rebounds each in the victory. Deng John Geu and Robinson Opong led Uganda’s effort with 20 and 17 points, respectively.
“It feels good to win, but we cannot dwell much on it as we have one more game to play. We did not have the best of starts as we are still getting to know each other, but I hope for a better show against Cape Verde,” said Agada, who fouled out with seven minutes left.
Coach Abdulrahman Mohamed credited Nigeria’s fighting spirit for the turnaround after a tough first game. “Credit to Uganda, they had a game plan and forced us to chase the game in the second half. We played against a team keen to shut us from the floor, so we had to attack the basket.”
Nigeria sits third on 7 points ahead of their final clash against Cape Verde, a must-win match according to coach Mohamed. Uganda, also on 7 points, will face Libya in another crucial showdown.
“The result is disappointing, but I am proud of how we played today. The final score doesn’t give my team credit for what they did. We could have played better in the final quarter, but this is part of the game. We are still in contention, and that is what we focus on,” said Uganda’s head coach Mandy Juruni. “We did not take care of the ball, and some turnovers cost us. Nigeria capitalized, scoring 28 points off our 19 turnovers.”
Uganda’s John Geu added, “Nigeria is a good side, very athletic, but our mindset was to compete and qualify. We fought them for three quarters but broke down in the fourth. They took advantage of the one-on-one situations, and the turnovers hurt us. We have to get over it quickly, watch film, and be ready for tomorrow.”
Libya Stuns Cape Verde to Shake Up Group B
Mohamed Sadi earned high praise from coach Fouad Bou Chakra after leading Libya to an 82-80 victory over Cape Verde, a result that lifted the hosts to second place in the group ahead of the final match day.
“Libya is playing against the odds; we have six players on the court every time Sadi is on the floor. He has done everything for this team. He is the captain, but he also pushes the team, carries the determination and the goal for us, and has been an inspiration. Our country is happy, so are we,” said coach Bou Chakra.
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The home crowd played a significant role in energizing Libya, helping them recover from a slow start. The North Africans fought back from a 12-point deficit and briefly gave away an 8-point lead before holding on for a memorable win. Making their return to continental basketball after more than a decade, Libya dominated the paint, outscoring Cape Verde 40-26.
Naseim Ismail Salem Badrush led the scoring with 20 points, followed by Sofian Hamad and Basem Albebas with 16 each. However, it was Sadi’s double-double of 14 points and 12 rebounds that earned him the most accolades.
“This is a big Cape Verde team with experienced players, and winning against them with such a young squad means a lot. This is purely hard work from our camp. However, we will not dwell on it, as we have another match to win to lead our group,” said Sadi after the victory.
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Conclusion
With the final matchday looming, Group B remains a thrilling battleground, where every team still has a chance to qualify for the 2025 AfroBasket. Nigeria faces a do-or-die encounter against Cape Verde, while Uganda seeks redemption against hosts Libya. As the competition reaches its climax, only the strongest will emerge victorious and secure their place in the continental showdown.
