Senegal's Women's Basketball Team Unveils Roster for FIBA World Cup 2026 Pre-Qualifiers: Stars Cierra Janay Dillard and Yacine Diop to Lead the Charge Against Brazil, Hungary, and the Philippines in Upcoming Group C Games in Rwanda.
Last Updated on
August 15, 2024
Ayo Biyibi
Staff Writer
The Senegal Basketball Federation (Fédération Sénégalaise de Basket-Ball—FSBB) has announced its 14-player roster for the upcoming FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup Pre-Qualifying Tournament, which will take place in Kigali, Rwanda, from August 19 to 22.
The Lionesses, led by three-time AfroBasket-winning head coach Otis Hughley Jr., will be spearheaded by stars Cierra Dillard and Yacine Diop. The roster features seven players who were not part of the senior squad during their recent Paris Olympic Qualifying Tournament, including former Caledonia Gladiator player Sokhna Bintou Lo, who recently made the proud decision to switch allegiance from the Spanish national team to represent her country of origin.
The other new additions to the squad include returnees Maty Fall, Madjiguene Sene, and Khadidiatou Bigue Sarr, as well as senior team debutants Sabou Gueye (New Mexico State Aggies guard), Nene Awa Ndiaye (Boston College Eagles power forward), and Seynabou Thiam (San Francisco Dons forward).
The West African team will aim to secure a spot in the 2026 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup after their disappointing campaign in the Belgium-based Olympic Qualifying Tournament, where they finished last in their group following losses to Nigeria, Belgium, and the USA.
Cameroon will be competing in Group C against Brazil, Hungary, and the Philippines.
Cierra Dillard, Maty Fall, Sabou Gueye, Ndioma Kane, Yacine Diop, Nene Awa Ndiaye, Fatou Pouye, Mathilde Aicha Diop, Khadidiatou Bigue Sarr, Sokhna Bintou Lo, Fatou Babou Diagne, Seynabou Thiam, Madjiguene Sene, Arame Niang.
