By Ibrahim Karim Bangura (Tanko)

The Rwanda U16 basketball team has humiliated the Sierra Leone junior basketball in the FIBA U16 AfroBasket 2025 Championship, with the final score standing at 65–47 in favour of the host team.

Rwanda’s Hugo Victor Ngabonziza shines as the standout performer, recording 17 points, 7 rebounds, 6 steals, and 3 assists. His all-around play proved decisive in maintaining Rwanda’s dominance throughout the contest.

SL loss is seen as an upgrading to their first match when they suffered a heavy defeat from Ivory Coast losing 112-27. They will play their final group match against Angola later this month.

Despite the struggle to cope with Rwanda’s aggressive defense and fast-paced offense, the 18-point margin highlighted the gap that still exists between the West African side and some of the continent’s stronger basketball programmes.