SHEFFIELD (Julio Chitunda's African Message) - The biennial FIBA Women's AfroBasket is upon us, and there will be a number of talents on display.

The Malian capital of Bamako is set to host twelve national teams from across Africa from August 18-27 with two tickets for the 2018 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup up for grabs. 

So, in today's column, and in no particular order I will introduce you seven players to watch out for at FIBA Women's AfroBasket 2017.

Djene Diawara (Mali)

It's been four years since Diawara last featured for Mali 

With the return of the 1.93m center, who last played for her country in 2013 in Mozambique, hosts Mali could dream high again. The 32-year-old known for dominating the paint is arguably one of Mali's top talents.  

Four years ago, Diawara's AfroBasket appearance was short-lived after suffering a knee injury during a 78-45 win over Nigeria on Day-3. Her absence proved costly for Mali, who ended up finishing in Fifth-Place. By the time she was sidelined, Diawara was averaging a tournament-high 23 points per game.

In a recent interview with the local press, the new Lyon Basket recruit explained why this year's African Championship matters to her: "This tournament will coincide with the 10th anniversary of our first African trophy that we won in Dakar in 2007 (they stunned hosts Senegal in the final), and I hope to relive this magic moment in Bamako."

Adaora Elonu (Nigeria)

Adaora Elonu is seen here during a 2017 FIBA Euroleague Quarter-Finals game against Fenerbahce 

The 1.85m small forward's impact on the Nigeria team continues to grow year after year. Ever since she made her FIBA Women's AfroBasket debut two years ago, the Perfumerías Avenida Baloncesto's ace has become a real Nigerian leader. 

Her 13.8 points per game followed by terrific key plays for Nigeria earned her a place on the 2015 FIBA Women's AfroBasket All-Tournament team. 

From left to right: Aya Traore (Senegal), Adaora Elonu (Nigeria), Geraldine Robert (Gabon), Ramses Lonlack (Cameroon) and Deolinda Ngulela (Mozambique)

As Nigeria tried to secure one of the five tickets for the Rio Olympics, via the 2016 FIBA Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Nantes, the 27-year-old came up with yet another team-high 16 points per contest. 

This is what she said when I asked her about her FIBA Women's AfroBasket 2017 goals: "I, as well as a few other teammates, have played in Spain, and it would be a great feeling if we could return and play in a country we are familiar with playing in."

Italee Lucas (Angola)

An electrifying point guard who has made her name talked about across Africa is set to make her international debut for her adoptive country. Lucas, who won the 2007 FIBA U19 World Championship for Women alongside the likes of WNBA star Maya Moore, has become what observers describe as the "element that Angola needed in a long time."

Recently crowned the MVP of the 2017 Angolan Championship, Lucas has featured for a number of European clubs. 

Astou Traore (Senegal)

Let's just forget about cliches for a while, but for Traore, age is definitely just a number. 

Traore is set to play her sixth African Championship, and her tenacity and fearless attitude speak for themselves. 

Astou Traore seen during a FIBA 2017 EuroCup Women game against Virtus Eirene Ragusa 

After averaging more than 15 points per game at Rio Olympics, it came as no surprise that European giants Galatasaray came calling. 

With Traore on the line-up, Senegal could be assured some offensive benefits.

Menatalla Awad (Egypt)

At the age of 25, the Sporting Alexandria ace is set to make her third straight FIBA Women's AfroBasket appearance.

Menatalla Awad has led Egypt in scoring over the last two African Championships

Awad has become Egypt's all-around player. Be it at the defense end or attack, the small forward Awad is - along with Reem Osama - one of the team leaders.

Leia Dongue (Mozambique)

Leia Dongue playing against Turkey at 2014 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup

Mozambicans have reasons to celebrate the return of one of their most talented players. Dongue sat out the last edition of the African Championshiphp for personal reasons.

A tireless competitor, the 1.87m power forward, who has won a number of individual awards across Africa is yet to win an African Championship. However, none can deny her determination when it comes to playing on the big stage.

Here are some of her remarkable plays at 2014 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup.

Ramses Lonlack (Cameroon)

For many, Lonlack, otherwise known as the African Queen during her college career with the Memphis University, represents one of Cameroon's biggest talents.

Ramses Lonlack during a game a 2016 FIBA Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament against Argentina

As a 1.75m point guard, Lonlack is often seen attacking the basket with tremendous ferocity. Although she is a talented scorer, Lonlack is an aggressive defender.

Let the Bamako 2017 battle begin.

Julio Chitunda
FIBA

FIBA's columnists write on a wide range of topics relating to basketball that are of interest to them. The opinions they express are their own and in no way reflect those of FIBA.

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