KIGALI (Rwanda) – In a remarkable turn of events, the final of the 2025 FIBA U16 AfroBasket will feature two nations making their debut in the tournament.
Côte d’Ivoire and Cameroon have fought their way into Sunday’s showdown, carrying with them the hopes of their countries and the promise of a new era in African basketball.
Côte d’Ivoire stunned five-time champions Egypt — a team that had appeared in every final until now — by showcasing discipline, patience and firepower to earn their historic place in the final.
Meanwhile, Cameroon overcame Mali — the 2017 winners — in a tense 61–56 battle to secure the other spot in the final.
FIBA.basketball takes a closer look at both teams' journeys, the standout numbers, and the players expected to shine in the final.
ROAD TO THE FINAL
Both teams arrived at the title game unbeaten, having been separated into different groups.
Côte d'Ivoire caused a sensation in Group A by routing Sierra Leone 112–27 in their opening match. They then dispatched Angola 57–41 and overpowered the host nation, Rwanda, 72–47, to top the group.
A quarter-final rematch with Rwanda ended in another emphatic win (97–38), before they produced a masterclass to dethrone Egypt (75–58) in the semi-final.
Cameroon emerged from Group B with the same perfect record.
They narrowly beat Uganda 57–50, convincingly beat Guinea, and finished with a 60–44 victory over Tunisia.
In the quarter-finals, they were tested again by Uganda, but held their nerve to win 53–50. Their semi-final triumph over Mali was a display of grit and determination as they maintained control to win 61–56 and complete their fairytale run to the final.
BY THE NUMBERS
Although the statistics point to Côte d’Ivoire as the frontrunners, numbers alone don’t decide a final.
The Ivorians average 84 points per game, compared to Cameroon’s 63.8. They have hit 33 field goals and five triples with an efficiency of 38.4 per cent, while Cameroon have averaged 23 field goals with an efficiency of 32.2 per cent, including six triples with an accuracy of 23.3 per cent.
In terms of rebounds, Côte d’Ivoire dominate with 72.8 per game, far ahead of Cameroon’s 57.6. They also move the ball better, averaging 20.8 assists to Cameroon’s 13.2, and their 16.6 steals per game highlight their defensive pressure.
However, Cameroon stand tall in shot-blocking, leading 8.6 to 7.4, and they concede slightly fewer fouls (19.2 vs. 20.4).
If they can control turnovers, where they currently average 23.8 compared to Côte d'Ivoire's 20.6, they will stand a chance of winning.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Jean-Philippe Oka is the star of Côte d’Ivoire’s team. With an average of 16.2 points and 12 rebounds per game, including seven defensive boards, he has been a driving force at both ends of the court.
Supporting him are Biza Martial Junior N’Goran and Iréné Raphael Ouédraogo, who provide balance and intensity.
Cameroon look to their inspirational leader, Nolan Ngangmeni. He averaged 17 points, 6.4 rebounds and 2 assists and was decisive in their semi-final win over Mali.
He will be supported by Luther Maboula and Félix Deumi, who are both capable of performing well in important moments.
U16 AFROBASKET HISTORY
For Côte d'Ivoire, reaching the 2025 final is a huge step forward.
Their previous best finish was fifth place in 2021, but their performance this time around has firmly established them as one of Africa’s rising powers.
Cameroon's story is equally remarkable. Competing for the first time ever, they have already beaten established nations and secured their place in the final.
Now, with history within reach, they are aiming to crown their debut with the ultimate prize.
BOTTOM LINE
No matter the outcome, Kigali will celebrate a new African basketball champion.
Both Côte d'Ivoire and Cameroon have already made history by reaching this stage, but only one team will leave with the trophy, the glory and the title of continental king.
FIBA