LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – As we approach the window 3 of the FIBA World Cup African Qualifiers, some of the continent’s best basketball players will be on display Voice of Naija – VONa Communications has highlighted five players you mustn’t take your eyes off.
Abidjan will host this constellation of veterans and emerging stars who want to help their countries secure a spot in the 2027 Qatar World Cup.
The next 24 games at the FIBA World Cup African Qualifiers tournament will also feature plenty of gamechangers.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan or new to the FIBA World Cup African Qualifiers, here are some players to keep a close eye on:
1. Childe Dundao
POINT GUARD
Date of Birth: May 17, 1998 Height: 167 cm / 5’6″ Club: Petro de Luanda
Small in stature but big-hearted, Childe Dundao is the most prominent Angolan player in recent times.
The reigning AfroBasket Most Valuable Player played a valuable role in helping Angola finish the first round of Group D with a 2-1 record, averaging 16 points, 8 assists, and 4 steals per game.
One week before the third window of the World Cup Qualifiers began, Dundao accepted an offer to join Portuguese champions FC Porto, who will compete in the 2026 FIBA Champions League.
2. Chimezie Metu
POWER FORWARD
Date of Birth: March 22 1, 1997 Height: 211 cm / 6’11” Club: Dreamland Gran Canaria
Metu last played for the D’Tigers in the 2023 FIBA Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament on home soil almost two years ago.
Nigerian fans hoped he would play in the 2025 AfroBasket, but he did not show up.
Now, the former NBA player, who can impact the game on both ends of the floor, is set to return just as his country needs to improve upon their 1–2 record from the first round.
3. Tacko Fall
CENTER
Date of Birth: December 10, 1995, Height: 226 cm / 7’5″ Club: Ningbo Rockets
All eyes are on Fall, the big fella set to make his official debut with the Senegalese national team.
He currently plays for Ningbo Rockets of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA).
He has previously played in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers.
Fall is a decent rim protector and an intimidating presence in the paint. He adds even more rebounding value to a team that ranks third with 49 boards per game.
4. Aliou Diarra
CENTER
Date of Birth: December 31, 2001 Height: 208 cm / 6’10” Club: Virtus Segafredo Bologna
Few saw it coming, but when Aliou Diarra delivered stellar performances in his Basketball Africa League debut in 2023, he instantly became a star and is now considered one of the finest players in modern-day Mali.
The two-time BAL Defensive Player of the Year made his European basketball debut with Virtus Bologna in the recently concluded season but sat out the opening round of Group D in Alexandria last February. His return represents a major boost for Mali’s Eagles on both ends of the floor.
5. Siriman Kanoute
POINT GUARD
Date of Birth: September 25, 2001 Height: 180 cm / 6’0″ Club: Stade Rochelais
Die-hard fans of FIBA Africa basketball know what Kanouté is made of all too well.
Now, at 24 years old, Kanoute has confirmed the predictions of his stellar youth career. When Mali needed him most in the first round of Group D, he responded with record-breaking performances.
He currently leads all players with 11 assists and 24 points per game.
Kanouté is one of four players to record two double doubles in three games. The orher trio to achieve that were Oumar Ballo, David McCormack, and Nike Sibande
READ ALSO: D’Tigers Unveil 2027 FIBA World Cup Qualifiers Squad List
Honorable mentions:
Ike Iroegbu: He hasn’t played for his country since helping Nigeria qualify for the 2021 AfroBasket tournament.
Bruno Fernando: He is the first Angolan player to make it to the NBA and a key piece in Angola’s recent resurgence.
Ivan Almeida: He is the go-to guy for Cape Verde, averaging team highs in efficiency (17), points (16), rebounds (8), blocks (2), and playing time (33) per game.
With the FIBA World Cup African Qualifiers set to kick off on Thursday July 2, African basketball lovers are in for a treat, and they can be rest assured that these players will give their all on the court.
