FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup Pre-Qualifying Tournament Preview: Rwanda

FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup Pre-Qualifying Tournament Preview: Rwanda

Rwanda's beautiful East African nation will be the stage for one of the inaugural FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 Pre-Qualifying Tournaments. With Senegal battling it out in Group C against the Philippines, Hungary, and Brazil and Rwanda competing in Group D against Great Britain, Lebanon, and Argentina, the stakes couldn't be higher as these teams vie for a golden ticket to the 2026 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup in Berlin, Germany.

African basketball is riding a wave of unprecedented attention following Nigeria and South Sudan's historic performances at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Nigeria, in particular, has set a new standard by becoming the first African nation—men's or women's—to reach the quarterfinals of an Olympic basketball tournament.

This achievement has shone a spotlight on African basketball, especially on the women's side. Teams like Senegal and Rwanda will be eager to continue this momentum and secure their place in the 2026 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup in Berlin, Germany.

Team GB superstar, Holly Winterburn, who is gearing up to play Rwanda in their Group D clash on Thursday 22nd August, was one of the many international stars who took notice of Nigeria's exploits in Paris. Speaking exclusively to AfricaBasket, the guard stated:

"Nigeria put the whole world on notice. They are very well coached and super exciting to watch on the court with their intense style of play. It was also inspiring to see the way the whole team celebrated one another in various moments throughout the Olympics.

African basketball is certainly on the rise and I’m looking forward to the challenge of future match-ups."

But before they can dream of Berlin, Senegal and Rwanda must navigate their competition in respective groups.
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Senegal: The Lionesses on a Redemption Path

• Power Ranking: 3
• FIBA World Ranking: 25
• Group C Rivals: Philippines, Hungary, Brazil

Senegal, ranked 3rd in the tournament's Power Rankings and 25th in the world, enters the tournament with a highly respected reputation. Despite finishing as runners-up at the 2023 FIBA Women's AfroBasket, where they lost to Nigeria, and enduring a disappointing campaign at the Belgium-based Olympic Qualifying Tournament, Senegal remains a team to watch in Kigali. Group C, often called the "Group of Death," presents a stiff challenge with talented opponents from the Philippines, Hungary, and Brazil.

Rival Players to Watch:

• Philippines: Afril Bernardino - A dynamic and versatile guard who excels on both ends of the floor.
• Hungary: Bernadette Hatar - A 6'10" center with a dominating presence in the paint, known for her shot-blocking and rebounding.
• Brazil: Emanuely De Oliveira - A rising star with a well-rounded game, capable of leading her team offensively.

Senegal's roster is a blend of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers, all under the recently appointed leadership of three-time AfroBasket-winning head coach Otis Hughley Jr. Cierra Dillard, newly appointed captain Yacine Diop and Sokhna Bintou Lo, who recently switched her allegiance from Spain to Senegal, spearheaded the team. Dillard, who made an immediate impact at the 2023 FIBA Women's AfroBasket, has emerged as one of the team's most influential players, and her role will be critical in navigating Group C.

Senegal Player to Watch

• Cierra Dillard: The 2023 Africa Women's Basketball League MVP, Dillard is a potent offensive threat, capable of creating scoring opportunities for herself and others. Her ability to dictate the pace of the game makes her thé key player for Senegal in the tournament.

Senegal's Roster:

Cierra Dillard, Maty Fall, Sabou Gueye, Ndioma Kane, Yacine Diop (Captain), Nene Awa Ndiaye, Fatou Pouye, Mathilde Aicha Diop, Khadidiatou Bigue Sarr, Sokhna Bintou Lo, Fatou Babou Diagne, Seynabou Thiam, Madjiguene Sene, Arame Niang
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Rwanda: The "Underdogs" with Home Advantage

• Power Ranking: 7
• FIBA World Ranking: 74
• Group D Rivals: Great Britain, Lebanon, Argentina

As the host nation, Rwanda enters Group D with the underdog tag on their shoulders but also with the potential to surprise a few teams. Ranked 74th in the world, Rwanda is coming off a historic nation run at the 2023 FIBA Women's AfroBasket, where they reached the semifinals for the first time after defeating Uganda to advance.

Despite Rwanda's perceived underdog status, their rivals are not underestimating them. Team GB superstar Holly Winterburn, the 2024 FIBA Women's EuroCup winner who led the London Lions to a monumental finals victory in May, spoke exclusively to AfricaBasket, acknowledging the challenge Rwanda poses:

"At the international level absolutely no team can be taken lightly. We will take the tournament day by day and prepare for each team the same way. Rwanda have some great players and will be fuelled by the home court fans so we are expecting a tough battle."

With the support of their home crowd, Rwanda has a golden opportunity to continue their upward trajectory against Great Britain, Lebanon, and Argentina. The team's momentum from their 2023 FIBA Women's AfroBasket run could make them a potential team to not overlook in Group D.

Rival Players to Watch:

• Great Britain: Holly Winterburn - A scoring and assist double-double threat who can change the course of a game with her three-point shooting.
• Lebanon: Rebecca Akl - A skilled point guard known for her ability to control the pace of the game.
• Argentina: Melisa Gretter - A veteran leader and a tenacious defender, Gretter is the heartbeat of the Argentine team.

Rwanda's hopes in this tournament largely rest on the shoulders of Bella Murekatete, the first Rwandan woman to play NCAA Division I basketball. After an impressive college career at Washington State University, where she became the program's all-time leader in rebounds and blocks, Murekatete is set to make an impact in her first major international tournament with Rwanda. Her defensive presence and ability to score in the paint will be crucial for Rwanda's success.

Rwanada Player to Watch

• Bella Murekatete: A dominant force in the paint, Murekatete's ability to contribute on both ends of the floor makes her Rwanda's standout player and a potential game-changer in Group D. The 24-year-old averaged 11.7 points, 7.3 rebounds and 2.0 steals per game in her final year at Washington State University.

Rwanda's Roster:

Assouma Uwizeye, Celine DeRoy, Chantal Kiyobe, Charlotte Umugwaneza, Destiney Philoxy, Joyeuse Sifa Ineza, Nicole Urwibutso, Odille Tetero, Rosine Micomyiza Hope Butera, Sabrine Mugeni, Sandra Kantore, Keisha Hampton Bella Murekatete

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[Photography Courtesy of FIBA]