Rumored 23-Player Senegal Squad Emerges Ahead of 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Amid U.S. Visa Drama

Senegal Names 23-Player Squad for 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Amid U.S. Visa Drama

With just 33 days until the 2025 FIBA Women's AfroBasket tips off in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, a rumored 23-player training camp roster for Senegal's tournament preparations has emerged. The squad seemingly blends experienced veterans with rising young talent preparing for Africa's top women's basketball tournament.

The Federation scrapped its U.S.-based training camp after U.S. officials denied visas to five players and seven staffers. The decision follows growing U.S. travel restrictions affecting several African nations, including Senegal.

Originally planning a 10-day warm-up in the U.S., the team shifted its camp to Dakar. Despite the relocation, team officials remain confident in their preparation timeline for the Africa's women's basketball showpiece tournament.

As expected, the preliminary squad features marquee players like Cierra Dillard, a proven leader and scoring threat, and forward Yacine Diop, both veterans of past campaigns for the Lionnes, an 11-time Women's Afrobasket champion.

Several young players received their first senior call-ups. Victorine Thiaw, 21, steps up to senior national team duty after competing in the 2020 FIBA U18 Women's AfroBasket. Thiaw spent last season with Franconville in France's third-tier Nationale Féminine 1 (NF1).

Lena Timera also earns her senior debut after averaging 12 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 2.4 assists with Nice in France's Ligue Féminine 2. Astou Gaye, a former French 3X3 standout who played last season with Charnay in France's top division, joins the Lionnes for her first senior appearance.

The other standout newcomers—Fatou Faye Sané, Ndeye Khady Leye, Sokhna Ndiaye, and Marie Diamé—aim to make an immediate impact on a team chasing gold at the upcoming tournament.

With the 2025 FIBA Women's AfroBasket fast approaching, all eyes turn to Dakar as Senegal ramps up its final preparations.
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Full 23-Player Training Camp Sqaud Below

• Cierra Dillard
• Yacine Diop
• Sabou Gueye
• Victorine Thiaw
• Ndioma Kane
• Lena Timera
• Fatou Pouye
• Fatou Faye Sane
• Nene Awa Ndiaye
• Ndeye Kh. Leye
• Marie Diame
• Mathilde A. Diop
• Ndeye Astou Gaye
• Arame Niang
• Sokhna Bintou Lo
• Julie Dacosta
• Khadija Faye
• Fatou Diagne
• Madjiguene Sene
• Sokhna Ndiaye
• Fatou Kine Filor
• Aminata Ly
• Kh. Bigue Sarr