She Got Next: The Rise of Nelma da Cunha

She Got Next: The Rise of Nelma da Cunha

Since the Women's Basketball League Africa's inaugural season in 1985, originating from the FIBA Africa Women's Basketball Cup, and through its 2023 temporary rebranding as the Africa Women's Basketball League (AWBL), the top-tier African club competition has consistently showcased some of the continent's best emerging talents—players who often seem poised for stardom.

Last season, Malian point guard Bintou Dramé, playing for DR Congo's C.N.E.S.S., was a standout at age 20, leading her team in scoring with 14.3 points per game and helping them finish seventh.

This season, however, one name stood out among the multitude of storylines and young stars at the tournament: Nelma Cunha.

The talented guard, whether she be a combo or shooting, helped guide Sporting Clube de Luanda to a fifth-place finish in the club's first official WBLA season.

Throughout their 3-3 campaign, the shifty two-way guard averaged 16.3 points per game, with an efficiency rating of 18.7, grabbed 9.0 rebounds per game, and ranked second in steals at 2.5 per game. Cunha also tied for eighth place in 3-point shooting percentage, having knocked down 40% of her attempts.
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By the very end of the tournament, it was clear to neutrals, fans and critics alike that at just 23 years old, Nelma Cunha... Got Next!

Hailing from Benguela, a vibrant coastal city in western Angola, Nelma Cunha, alongside the likes of Alexia Dizeko, is fast becoming one of her basketball-loving nation's brightest basketball talents, following in the footsteps of legends Italee Lucas, Childe Dundao, Bruno Fernando and Carlos Morais.

Cunha began her basketball journey at Casa Pessoal do Porto do Lobito (CPPL) Academy, where she first fell in love with the game. Inspired by her father, himself an athlete and coach, she learned the type of discipline, work ethic, and mental toughness needed to compete at the highest levels.

At CPPL, Cunha's potential became obvious as she contributed to a national championship, impressing academy staff with her focus and skill. The academy's famed rigorous training programme and culture challenged her physically and mentally, shaping her into a formidable young hopper and athlete. Her success at CPPL eventually led to her joining the Primeiro de Agosto first team, a move that marked the start of her professional career.

Speaking exclusively to AfricaBasket.net, about her time at CPPL, Cunha stated:

"It was a good experience, both socially and professionally and had a very demanding programme, but I learned a lot and improved as a player."

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Nelma's first taste of international competition came at the 2017 FIBA U16 Women's African Championship, which she describes as a pivotal moment that opened her eyes to basketball's broader African stage.

"Playing in the African U16 championship meant a lot to me because it served as motivation, as I could see another reality of basketball here in Africa, since it was my first African championship."

Poignant words for such a young pro, born and bred on a continent whose homegrown talents are constantly being pulled away to America and Europe... especially in the era of the NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) in the NCAA.

Like many of the world's brightest and most respected basketball stars, her first foray into continental-level competition was rocky. Cunha finished the tournament averaging 3.7 points and 1.3 rebounds per game, with her best offensive game against Zimbabwe, when she recorded nine points, grabbed one rebound, and one steal.

While the guard didn't make a significant impact offensively, Cunha displayed an encouraging glimmer of defensive acumen, averaging 1.2 steals per game, which helped keep the team competitive to ultimately secure their silver medal. Despite the ups and downs and eventual podium finish, Nelma's African U16 experience ignited a deeper motivation to improve, exposing her to new playing styles and tactics that significantly expanded her basketball IQ.
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One year later, Cunha once again earned a call-up to the national team, this time to compete at the 2018 FIBA U17 Women's Basketball World Cup. Unfortunately, the guard was unable to demonstrate much of what she had learned over the previous year at Primeiro de Agosto, which may have been due to other, more experienced guards and wings in front of her in the rotation, namely Cacia Antonio, Helena Pululo, and Cristina João Lourenço.

Despite limited minutes, Nelma absorbed every lesson, refining her tactical understanding and mental discipline. She continued to learn about the higher demands of the international level and the importance of structure in sustaining long-term success.

"The 2018 FIBA Women's U17 World Cup was a great learning experience. Even with little playing time, I developed tactically and mentally, learned about the demands of international basketball, and understood the significance of discipline."

These early experiences, coupled with Nelma's development at Primeiro de Agosto, laid the groundwork for her continued rise through Angola's national team system.

Fast-forward to 2023, Nelma was once again honoured with her first senior call-up to represent her proud nation, for the forthcoming FIBA Women's AfroBasket. The 5'10" guard was part of a squad with experienced players like Nadir Manuel and Cristina Matiquite.

Once again, at the bottom of the senior team rotation and still learning her craft, Nelma played in two of the possible three games, accumulating a total of five minutes.

Although her opportunities were understandably limited, she considered the chance to be there a blessing and a milestone she would cherish.

"It was important for me to represent the main team at the Women's Afrobasket because it's always good to represent our country, as it contributed greatly to my growth and high-level competitive experience."

Much was the same earlier this year, during their AfroBasket qualifiers. Cunha joined a squad with future Hall of Famer, Italle Lucas, and other talented guards in front of her in the rotation. As a result, the Benguela native only saw the floor once, yet continued to learn valuable lessons, as Angola secured qualification to the 2025 FIBA Women's AfroBasket.
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Five months later, Nelma Cunha answered the call to wear her country's red, black and gold colours in Côte d'Ivoire at the highly anticipated Women's AfroBasket championships.

The preparations with the senior squad for the big dance in the West African nation were intense, physical, and, as expected, highly tactical, and Nelma enjoyed every minute of it.

"The training camp with the national team was really good and competitive, and offered the chance to compete against players from other clubs. [The camp] included a lot of extensive tactical training and also emphasised physical development."

Despite the national team's excellent training camp, Angola finished well below expectations in 10th place after three straight losses. However, throughout the disappointing campaign, Cunha was given more time to shine, which she rightfully took advantage of. Accumulating 26 minutes across three games, Nelma's most productive outing came in Angola's 85-64 loss to Cameroon.

In 15 minutes, the combo guard recorded four points, one rebound, one assist and two steals. An encouraging performance that was unfortunately marred by foul trouble, picking up three fouls, during her time on the floor. Interestingly, Cunha was a plus-four in the plus/minus category, meaning she had a positive impact on the team's scoring margin while on the court.

Much of this impact came in the fourth quarter, when Angola were outscored by only one point (17-16), and Nelma recorded her two steals.
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Discussing her experience in Côte d'Ivoire, with AfricaBasket, Nelma Cunha stated:

"Despite the short time, I was able to take advantage of the few minutes I had. By taking advantage of them, I realised that I am capable of much more, and that I have to work to be at the same level, or even better, than many athletes."

As the saying goes, "sword sharpens sword." In a country passionate about basketball like Angola, one of the best ways to learn how to succeed at a high level is by observing your peers win a major tournament like AfroBasket.

In August, Angola's senior national men's team won their record-breaking 12th AfroBasket title at the renowned Pavilhão Multiusos de Luanda in front of a capacity home crowd of 12,750 people. Nelma was among the 12,750 people who witnessed history, which helped inspire and prepare her for the 2025 Women's AfroBasket.

"[Seeing them win the title] provided good inspiration, which we hoopers on the national team need to work harder on so that we can also reach the podium in future championships."

The knock-on effect of Nelma's time in Côte d'Ivoire and the senior national men's team's winning their AfroBasket title was felt in Namibia at the 2025 Women's Basketball League Africa Qualifiers.

Putting it simply... if Nelma Cunha's 2025 FIBA Women's AfroBasket performance was the prelude, her WBLA qualifiers campaign was thé introduction.

However, this next chapter of her maturation wouldn't be with Primeiro de Agosto. Instead, Cunha took her talents to Sporting Clube de Luanda to link up with beloved and much-respected Angolan playcaller, Angela Cardoso.
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Showing her quickly improving on-court IQ and talent, Nelma helped guide Sporting Clube de Luanda with poise, confidence, and the scoring skill of a young vet, which aided her club to secure two crucial wins on the way to WBLA 2025 qualification.

In game one, Nelma Cunha spearheaded the victory over the UNAM Phoenix with 20 points, five rebounds, and five steals, setting the pace for much of the 40 minutes.

Despite nine turnovers, Cunha had a strong two-way showing in game two against the Bravehearts, ending with 16 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and seven steals. Nelma demonstrated advanced decision-making, teamwork, and composure, necessary for sustained success at the WBLA level.

When discussing the qualifiers exclusively with AfricaBasket, the 23-year-old was humble yet confident, without overstating what she had accomplished.

"I rate my performance in this qualifying round as good. I think I managed to help my team as much as I could."

Those two showings set the stage for what the young guard would eventually do in Egypt at the 2025 Women's Basketball League Africa.

Seemingly given the "green light" (and freedom) by Coach Cardoso, Nelma's improved skillset was on full display. Sporting Clube tipped off their 2025 WBLAfrica campaign in a thriller against Rwandan powerhouse club, REG.

Early in the game, Cunha buried a perfectly calibrated three-pointer that ignited a 9–0 scoring run, shifting the game's momentum.

In the third quarter, Cunha quickly answered Kayana Traylor's basket with a three-pointer to keep REG from closing the gap. She then made another long-range shot shortly after, ending the quarter with back-to-back threes that increased Sporting's lead to 59–53 as they moved into the final period.

Unfortunately, for the fans back in Launda, Sporting eventually lost the nail-biter, 67-64. Cunha ended the contest with an excellent 20-point, 16-rebound double-double showing, which she complemented with six steals and one assist.
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As with all young players, one should expect fluctuations in their on-court production, and that is precisely what happened in their next outing. In Sporting's 65-40 win over FBA, the Ivorian club prioritised shutting down Cunha, which led to her struggles from the field and ball-handling issues.

Throughout the game, it was evident that she was FBA's primary focus in their scouting report, as she was forced into five turnovers and took only seven shots, most of which were contested. Nonetheless, Nelma finished the game with seven points, six rebounds and was once again a ball-hog on the defensive end, with four steals.
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In the very next game, Nelma Cunha’s maturity was on full display as she had a bounce-back effort during Sporting's tough 86-65 loss to Al Ahly SC. Despite the loss, the guard led Sporting with 21 points, seven rebounds, two assists and one block, while Eleuteria Lhavanguane added 16.

Their efforts kept the Luanda-based team competitive early in the game and prevented it from turning into a blowout. However, the gap in team depth and execution was too wide to bridge. Although their key players performed well, the team couldn't keep up with Al Ahly’s pace and overall offensive strength.
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Nelma ended their next game with a highly respectable 17-point, eight-rebound, three-assist, and two-steal outing in Sporting's narrow 66-58 loss to Ferroviario Maputo. She then followed this up with two back-to-back high-level turnouts in a "revenge game" classification clash against REG and Sporting's penultimate match against Kenyan giants KPA.
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In their 62-55 thriller against REG, Cunha affected the game on both ends of the ball, recording 18 points, six rebounds, five assists and two steals to help Sporting clinch the win and a spot in the fifth-place classification game.

In team sports, consistency and trust can go hand in hand. Because of Nelma Cunha's maturity and steady performances throughout the tournament, particularly after her strong rebound game versus Al Ahly SC, Head Coach Angela Cardoso entrusted her young guard with 38 minutes in the final classification match against KPA.

True to form, the Benguela-hooper took full advantage of her coach's goodwill, recording a 15-point, 11-rebound, four-assist, one steal and one block outing. Cunha's 15-point total was bolstered by excellent long-range shooting, as she knocked down 60% of her 3-point shots.

Nelma's showing, alongside standout performances from Eleuteria Lhavanguane and Magda Mussol, helped Sporting secure a 74-67 victory and a fifth-place finish in their first-ever WBLAfrica campaign. By the end of the game, Nelma Cunha's name and jersey number were discussed throughout the WBLA's media circles... and rightly so!

Nelma's quiet focus and modest growth, combined with a squad that included veteran stars Vilma Covane and Nilsa Chiziane, as well as emerging talents like Magda Mussol, led Sporting Clube de Luanda on a historic journey.
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Cunha's WBLA performances reflected years of dedication and preparation. Once the tournament had ended, Nelma Cunha was ranked number one in scoring, 3-point shooting, and steals, as well as second in rebounding among players in her age class.

For Nelma, the 2025 WBLAfrica experience was both humbling and motivating, reinforcing her belief in hard work and faith in God.

"First of all, I always thank God for giving me this opportunity or even reaping the results of the work that was done to achieve these results, and not only so that I can work even harder. And that was very significant for me."

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Nelma's progression at the WBLAfrica level was nurtured with the help of her cherished Head Coach, Angela Cardoso. Speaking exclusively to AfricaBasket, Cunha attributed her progress to consistent hard work and the guidance of Coach Angela Cardoso, who is widely known for fostering trust, freedom, and confidence in her players.

"My relationship with my great coach Angela is amazing. She is a great coach and a great person with a good heart, and she transmits confidence and gives us the freedom to be who we want to be on the court, [as well as the] other coaches who are always with her to support her in making decisions."

Looking ahead, Nelma aims to continue refining her skills and achieving success with her club and national team.

When asked what's next for her, the young, fast-rising star kept it simple and classy:

"The next steps for me are to continue working, destiny belongs to God, because here in Angola we will still face national championships."

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For now, Nelma remains focused on the Liga Azule national championships, trusting that dedication and perseverance will determine her path.

Nelma Cunha's rise from Benguela's local courts to Africa's elite competitions is a story of vision, discipline, and unwavering commitment. As she continues her journey, the basketball world is watching closely, recognising that Angola's next basketball star is here.

Nelma Cunha... Got Next!!

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[Photography Courtesy of FIBA / Rana Elanwar]