Nigeria seeks redemption in Angola for key Window of 2027 FIBA Qualifiers

•Cameroon, Senegal picked as centres

By JOE APU

Nigeria’s senior men’s basketball team will resume their quest for a place at the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup with a challenging assignment, as Angola prepares to host their group in the third window of the African qualifiers.

The FIBA Regional Office Africa confirmed that Angola, Cameroon and Senegal will stage Window 3 matches from July 2 to July 5, following a board meeting in Abidjan on April 15.

For Nigeria, attention will be firmly on Angola, where Group C fixtures involving the D’Tigers, Guinea, Tunisia and Rwanda will be decided. The grouping presents a stern test for Nigeria, who are looking to recover from a slow start in the qualifiers.

The upcoming fixtures follow the conclusion of Window 2 held in Alexandria and Dakar in February 2026.

Nigeria endured a difficult opening round, managing just one win from three games. Their lone victory came in a 75–69 triumph over Rwanda, but defeats to Guinea (69–55) and Tunisia (88–78) left them with a 1–2 record and third place in the group standings.

With qualification hopes still alive, the July window in Angola is expected to be decisive for Nigeria’s campaign, as they aim to improve their position and keep their World Cup ambitions on track.

Meanwhile, hosts for Window 4 of the qualifiers, scheduled for August 27 to August 30, 2026, are yet to be announced, with the application deadline extended to May 15, 2026.

Back at the FIBA AfroBasket 2025 held in Angola, Nigeria finished in 5th place with a 3-1 record.