Head coach of Senegal’s men’s basketball team, DeSagana Diop, has hailed his side’s resilience, determination and defensive discipline following their 91-75 quarterfinal victory over Nigeria’s D’Tigers at the 2025 FIBA AfroBasket Championship.
The Lions of Teranga dominated the second and third quarters to book a semifinal ticket, and Coach Diop masterminded the win.
He credited his players for sticking to their defensive game plan and well prepared for a physical against a Nigerian side that had been undefeated heading into the Last Eight.
“We came out ready to play like I talked about, the other day when we knew we was playing them, they a good team.”
“They went through and all in their bracket and we knew it was gonna be a tough challenge, but we came out ready and that’s what we talked about when we watched the film.”
“It was going to be about our defense.”
Diop revealed that Senegal’s strategy and tactical approach was to put full-court pressure on Nigeria’s backcourt, especially guard Josh Okogie, while keeping their intensity high to neutralize D’Tigers offense.
“Picking up full core and we knew they had a real point guard, Josh (Okogie) was bringing the ball up. We had to pick and be at press.”
“And that kind of helped us a lot, and Pa Mustafa, man, I can talk about that kid forever, man. It happened to us against South Sudan. Basketball was a game of run and they made a run.”
The coach highlighted the importance of composure during Nigeria’s brief rally and also thanked his benched for their contributions to the win.
“And you know, something, you call the timeout, you talk to your team, just get back to what we did to have the lead, that’s what we did.”
“We started guarding again and got out in transition. They had hit some threes. I think they hit like two back to back threes cut the lead.”
“You know, I put three threes, I put the starters back in. You know what I mean? And, uh, you know, the bench been great though.”
“Our bench been great. Every game they struggle in that little, what? A three minutes. And you know, they’ve been helping us. And I told them in the locker room to the game, you guys gonna help us win the next game?”
“Just stay confident. But we just got back to the basics. Started guarding again. Get the rebound play fast. Score.”
Brancou Badio: “Defense Was the Difference”
Senegalese point guard, Brancou Badio, who led all scorers with 32 points, said the game was tough but credited his teammates for their discipline and execution, particularly in shutting down Nigeria’s offensive threats.
“We came out ready to play, ready to defend and I think if we came out like this, every game we come out defending like this, I think we will have great chances to compete every game.”
The guard stated the importance of discipline when defending elite guards like Okogie.
“I was not guarding Josh the whole game, but I feel like Pa Mustafa did a great job ’cause to guard those kind of players.”
“Even if he’s not a point guy, you have to be disciplined to not just press him full court or let him go by you or stuff like that.”
Badio, who was named player of the game, added that Senegal’s ability to stay disciplined on both ends of the floor ultimately gave them control.
He also praised his big men for protecting the rim and ensuring Nigeria could not exploit their athleticism inside.
“So I think he did a great job. And Ibu Bache too. He was meeting every driver, you know, meeting them at the rim, not letting them get a lap for the big man who was very athletic.”
“So I think we did a great job, you know, defending them and pressuring full court throughout the whole game.”
With this victory, Senegal advanced to the semifinals of AfroBasket 2025, for the fifth time since 2013, where they will face Mali.
If Senegal can replicate the discipline they showed against Nigeria’s D’Tigers, they may yet go all the way in Angola, as they continue their hunt for a continental title.