The draw for Group B of AfroBasket 2025, to be held from August 12 to 24 in Angola, has sparked both expectation and caution among its contenders. With Tunisia, Nigeria, Cameroon, and Madagascar in the same group, recent history suggests an edge for the Eagles of Carthage, but the players are reluctant to make definitive predictions. They’ve all shared the court over the last decade, exchanging victories and building a rivalry that promises intense new chapters in this edition of the continental tournament.
Tunisia enters as the top seed after dominating its qualifying group with a 5–1 record and boasting key figures like Omar Abada and Makram Ben Romdhane. Nigeria arrives following an unexpected comeback during the February 2025 window, while Cameroon features emerging talents like Jeremiah Hill and Williams Narace. Meanwhile, Madagascar, though less favored in predictions, has shown the ability to surprise thanks to a young generation led by Mathias M’Madi and Sitraka Raharimanantoanina.
Tunisia leads, but no one feels safe in Group B
Despite Tunisia’s leadership in the FIBA Africa rankings (4th), the respect among Group B teams is clear. Recent results show the gap on the court has narrowed. Tunisia continues to rely on its championship core, with Abada as the offensive engine and Ben Romdhane as the key player on the boards. However, voices like that of veteran Radhouane Slimane warn of possible fatigue in a team undergoing a generational shift. “We can’t underestimate anyone. Not even Madagascar,” he said with sincerity.
Nigeria and Cameroon arrive with momentum. The D’Tigers were reborn in Libya, with Caleb Agada as their star, while Cameroon leans on Hill’s creativity and Narace’s power. Madagascar, for its part, is the wildcard: the team has shown growth and confidence, and its leaders are undaunted by higher-ranked opponents. As Raharimanantoanina said: “We are the least favored, but we’ve already proven we can shock everyone.” In a group where all have arguments, the outcome will depend entirely on what happens on the court.
