Nigeria’s men’s basketball team, D’Tigers, stormed into the quarter-finals of the 2025 FIBA AfroBasket Championship after overpowering Cameroon 99-90 in their final group stage clash on Sunday in Luanda, Angola.
The game, billed as a “winner takes all” encounter, lived up to its billing in intensity but not in balance, as the D’Tigers proved too clinical on both ends of the court. Both teams had come into the contest with two wins each, knowing victory would secure top spot and passage into the last eight.
The Cameroonians made a bright start, racing to a 5-0 lead at the Pavilhao Multiusos de Luanda. But that early spark quickly fizzled as the 2015 champions responded with ruthless efficiency, closing the opening quarter 28-25.
By the second quarter, coach Mohammed Abdul Rahman’s men were in full flow, punishing turnovers and stretching the floor to devastating effect. A 32-16 run ensured Nigeria entered halftime with a commanding 60-41 advantage.
In the third quarter, D’Tigers widened the gulf with a dominant 26-12 scoreline, leaving Cameroon chasing shadows. Though the Central Africans staged a spirited late rally in the final quarter, outscoring Nigeria 37-13, the damage had long been done.
Statistically, D’Tigers were near-flawless. They made 68 field goal attempts, converting 57.4 per cent, alongside 37 rebounds, 21 assists, 13 steals and three blocks. Cameroon, despite their fight, managed 78 field goal attempts at 41 per cent accuracy, with 31 rebounds and 16 assists, but were undone by 16 costly turnovers.
Josh Okogie led Nigeria’s scoring with 16 points, while Caleb Agada, Stan Okoye, Christian Mekowulu, Ike Nwamu and Martins Igbanu all reached double figures, underscoring the team’s depth. For Cameroon, Fabien Ateba impressed with a game-high 19 points, supported by Yves Missi (18), Jeremiah Hill (16) and Bikantchou Gbetkom (10).
At the end of the round-robin phase, Nigeria finished top of their group with six points, maintaining a perfect record from three games. Cameroon settled for second, while reigning champions Tunisia slipped to third place. Madagascar exited the tournament after losing all their matches.
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