ABIDJAN (Côte d'Ivoire) - While some may argue that the third window of the African qualifiers was highly competitive, take a look at what's coming up next.
Of the eighteen games scheduled to take place in Dakar (Senegal) and Rades (Tunisia) from Thursday, 27 August to Sunday, 30 August, more than half are not to be missed due to their importance and the historical rivalry between the teams involved.
Here are some of the most intriguing matchups in Window 4, which marks the start of the second round.
Nigeria vs. Cameroon - Group E
August 27 - Local Time: 16:00 (GMT+1) Radès, Salle Multidisciplinaire de Radès (TUNISIA)
Except for Nigeria's 106–91 win over Cameroon at the 2017 AfroBasket, the remaining three meetings between the two teams finished with a difference of fewer than ten points. Nigeria won three of their previous four encounters.
Heading into the decisive fourth window of the qualifiers, Nigeria are brimming with confidence thanks to their three-game winning streak, which has revived their campaign after a 1–2 start in the first round of Group C in Tunisia in November 2025.
Similarly, Cameroon are heading into this match on the back of three straight wins from last month's home games.
Cameroon will open their second-round campaign as the top-ranked team in Group E, with a record of 5–1, while Nigeria are 4–2.
The last time these two teams faced off, during the AfroBasket a year ago, Nigeria won 99–90.
Mali vs. Côte d'Ivoire - Group F
August 27 - Local Time: 15:30 (GMT0) Dakar Arena, Dakar (SENEGAL)
Imagine reaching the quarter-finals of the AfroBasket with a perfect 4–0 record and high hopes of reaching the final for the second consecutive time, only to fall just short against a highly motivated and exciting Mali team in overtime (102–96)! That's Côte d'Ivoire's vivid memory of facing Mali last year.
Not much has changed for either team, as they have kept their core players and coaching staff.
Historically, Mali have won six out of ten matches against Côte d'Ivoire.
Both teams will arrive in the Senegalese capital with a 5–1 win–loss record.
Mali's fans, who can be found across the continent, could provide the extra boost their heroes need to maintain their momentum.
Egypt vs. Senegal - Group F
August 27 - Local Time: 18:30 (GMT0) Dakar Arena, Dakar (SENEGAL)
One extremely important fact that Senegal should be aware of is that Egypt cannot be overlooked. Keep in mind that Egypt has a 5–3 head-to-head advantage over Senegal.
Egypt made a huge statement in these qualifiers by achieving something that only one other team in the history of African basketball over the last three-plus decades has managed: beating Angola in Angola. This feat was accomplished a month ago during the third window of the qualifiers.
Unlike Senegal, who currently top Group F with a 5-1 record, Egypt have had mixed results heading to Dakar, with a 3-3 record. Senegal have played all six of their games on home soil, and playing another three could boost their morale.
More intriguingly, Senegal and Egypt each won once during the 2023 World Cup qualifiers.
South Sudan vs. Nigeria - Group E
August 28 - Local Time: 13:00 (GMT+1) Radès, Salle Multidisciplinaire de Radès (TUNISIA)
If there's one game that African basketball fans have been eagerly awaiting, it's the clash between the Bright Stars of South Sudan and the D'Tigers of Nigeria.
Although South Sudan are currently the No. 1 team on the continent according to FIBA's World Rankings, they have never beaten Nigeria in their two previous meetings.
However, it's the personnel that both teams can count on that makes this one not to be missed.
While Nigeria represented Africa at the 2021 Olympic Games, it was South Sudan's turn to carry the continent's flag in 2024.
Cameroon vs. Tunisia - Group E
August 28 - Local Time: 19:00 (GMT+1) Radès, Salle Multidisciplinaire de Radès (TUNISIA)
After repeatedly falling short against Tunisia in previous years, it seems that Cameroon have found a way. They have won two of their last three meetings, improving their head-to-head record to 3–7.
Cameroon's resurgence against Tunisia began during the Pre-Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Lagos, Nigeria, where they won 83–70 to secure a place in the Olympic Qualifying Tournament. Last year, at the AfroBasket tournament, Tunisia appeared to be in decline, and Cameroon recorded their biggest ever win against them (86–65).
However, Tunisia's reluctance to return to their glory days seems to be paying off. Veteran coach Adel Tlatli brought his disciplinarian mindset and the three-time African champions improved to 4–2 in the qualifiers.
While Tunisia are known for their tactical and patient approach to attacking the basket, Cameroon's defence has been their key weapon.
Côte d'Ivoire vs. Egypt - Group F
August 29 - Local Time: 12:30 (GMT0) Dakar Arena, Dakar (SENEGAL)
When Côte d'Ivoire vs. Egypt comes up in conversation, the first thing that springs to mind is their last two meetings during the 2025 AfroBasket Qualifiers.
In both games, which were played in Cairo, Egypt, and Antananarivo, Madagascar, the Ivorians faced tough competition from Egypt, but eventually won.
Now that these qualifiers have reached a defining moment, and both teams seem to have found their rhythm, the question of whether Côte d'Ivoire can beat Egypt for the third time in a row is inevitable. Judging by the tenacity with which Egypt has been playing recently, it seems difficult.
Senegal vs. Angola - Group F
August 29 - Local Time: 18:30 (GMT0) Dakar Arena, Dakar (SENEGAL)
This is one of the most intriguing matchups in the history of African basketball.
Senegal have a slight edge in the head-to-head encounters, with a record of 5-4. The last time the two teams faced off in the quarter-finals of the 2021 AfroBasket, Senegal won 79-74.
However, the Senegalese will certainly never forget one of their most humiliating defeats, when they lost 82–51 to Angola in the 2021 AfroBasket qualifiers. This matchup features two of the most celebrated players on the continent: Angola's Childe Dundao and Senegal's Brancou Badio — two players who rank highly in the stats charts and were selected for the 2025 AfroBasket All-Tournament Team.
Guinea vs. Cameroon - Group E
August 30 - Local Time: 16:00 (GMT+1) Radès, Salle Multidisciplinaire de Radès (TUNISIA)
Cameroon have a 6-0 head-to-head advantage over Guinea, dating back to the 2017 AfroBasket tournament. But things have changed.
As recently as three years ago, this would not have been considered an unmissable game, but Guinea's recent progress has left many wondering what their limits are.
By beating teams such as Angola in the 2025 AfroBasket qualifiers, South Sudan in the last AfroBasket, and Nigeria and Tunisia in the first round of the qualifiers, Guinea has earned the respect of its opponents.
If the likes of Denver Nuggets new recruit Alpha Diallo, NBA champion Mamadi Diakite and the electrifying duo Shannon Evans and Souleyman Boum Jr are available, Cameroon will have to be extremely cautious.
Guinea have won four of their six games in the current campaign.
Angola vs. Côte d'Ivoire - Group F
August 30 - Local Time: 15:30 (GMT0) Dakar Arena, Dakar (SENEGAL)
Wondering what makes this a game worth watching? Look no further than Côte d'Ivoire's narrow victory over Angola, which left the reigning African champions searching for answers.
First, Côte d'Ivoire caused an upset by beating Angola 57–56 in Benguela during the first round of the 2023 World Cup qualifiers, becoming the first team in more than three decades to defeat the twelve-time African champions on their home court.
Then, when Angola visited Abidjan, the Ivorians won again, this time by a score of 75–73.
Historically, Angola has held a 4–2 head-to-head advantage, but as the latest results show, this matchup could go either way.
Tunisia vs. South Sudan - Group E
August 30 - Local Time: 19:00 (GMT+1) Radès, Salle Multidisciplinaire de Radès (TUNISIA)
South Sudan and Tunisia are just two of the four teams in Group E with similar win-loss records of 4–2, separated only by their goal difference.
While Tunisia have performed well recently, South Sudan have been inconsistent.
South Sudan, also known as the Bright Stars, are one of the tallest teams at these qualifiers and rank second in rebounds, behind Senegal. Tunisia, meanwhile, rank third in steals per game.
South Sudan has a 2–1 head-to-head advantage over Tunisia.
Although playing at home may give Tunisia an advantage, the South Sudanese are determined to secure their second World Cup ticket.
Mali vs. Senegal - Group F
August 30 - Local Time: 18:30 (GMT0) Dakar Arena, Dakar (SENEGAL)
This is one of those matchups that cannot be judged by their historical past, in which Senegal won 12 out of 18 meetings dating back to the 1999 AfroBasket.
To say that this match between Mali and Senegal is THE GAME of window 4 of the qualifiers would be an understatement, as there is unfinished business.
During the 2025 AfroBasket tournament, Senegal narrowly beat Mali 80–70 in the group stage. However, when it came to the semi-final, Mali ended Senegal's title aspirations with a 88–80 victory.
There will be no shortage of talented players on either side. Both teams have a 5–1 record.
FIBA