D’TIGERS DEFEAT CAMEROON TO SECURE QUARTERFINAL SPOT WITH PERFECT GROUP RECORD
SPORTS - Posted on: 18th Aug. 2025 at 1:43PM
Nigeria’s senior men’s basketball team, D’Tigers, have booked their place in the quarterfinals of the ongoing FIBA Men’s AfroBasket after a thrilling 99-90 victory over Cameroon in their final Group D game at the Pavilhão Multiusos de Kilamba in Luanda, Angola.
The result means Nigeria finished the group stage with a flawless 3-0 record, having earlier defeated Madagascar and reigning champions Tunisia.
Both teams entered Sunday’s clash knowing victory would guarantee automatic progression to the quarterfinals, while defeat would mean a tougher qualification route.
The game started tightly, with Nigeria edging the first quarter 28-25, before pulling away in the second with a dominant 30-16 run that gave them a comfortable cushion at halftime.
Nigeria delivered a balanced team performance, with six players scoring in double figures. Josh Okogie led the way with 16 points, while Caleb Agada (15), Stan Okoye (14), Christian Mekowulu (12), Ike Nwamu (12), and Martins Igbannu (10) all made key contributions. Okoye, in particular, impressed off the bench, hitting four three-pointers without a miss and adding seven rebounds.
D’Tigers’ long-range accuracy proved decisive, as their 15 three-pointers were the most by any team in the tournament so far. Cameroon struggled to cope and, despite a late fightback after trailing by as many as 34 points, they could not close the gap.
This latest win continues Nigeria’s strong record against Cameroon at AfroBasket, having previously knocked them out in the 2017 quarterfinals.
Head Coach Abdulrahman Muhammed praised his team’s performance but admitted there was room for improvement in closing out games.
“This was a statement performance,” he said. “We knew Cameroon would come hard at us, but our boys stuck to the game plan. That second and third quarter showed exactly what we’re capable of. It’s a big boost heading into the quarterfinals.”
Stan Okoye echoed his coach’s sentiments, stressing the need for better game management.
“We were a little flat in the end,” he said. “It was great to knock down shots, but we could have done better on defence and taken better care of the ball. We have to learn how to close out games.”
Nigeria’s Group Stage Results:
Madagascar 59–77 Nigeria
Nigeria 87–66 Tunisia
Nigeria 99–90 Cameroon
With momentum on their side, D’Tigers will now look ahead to the quarterfinals as strong contenders for the AfroBasket title.
Nigeria’s senior men’s basketball team, D’Tigers, have booked their place in the quarterfinals of the ongoing FIBA Men’s AfroBasket after a thrilling 99-90 victory over Cameroon in their final Group D game at the Pavilhão Multiusos de Kilamba in Luanda, Angola.The result means Nigeria finished the group stage with a flawless 3-0 record, having earlier defeated Madagascar and reigning champions Tunisia.
Both teams entered Sunday’s clash knowing victory would guarantee automatic progression to the quarterfinals, while defeat would mean a tougher qualification route.
The game started tightly, with Nigeria edging the first quarter 28-25, before pulling away in the second with a dominant 30-16 run that gave them a comfortable cushion at halftime.
Nigeria delivered a balanced team performance, with six players scoring in double figures. Josh Okogie led the way with 16 points, while Caleb Agada (15), Stan Okoye (14), Christian Mekowulu (12), Ike Nwamu (12), and Martins Igbannu (10) all made key contributions. Okoye, in particular, impressed off the bench, hitting four three-pointers without a miss and adding seven rebounds.
D’Tigers’ long-range accuracy proved decisive, as their 15 three-pointers were the most by any team in the tournament so far. Cameroon struggled to cope and, despite a late fightback after trailing by as many as 34 points, they could not close the gap.
This latest win continues Nigeria’s strong record against Cameroon at AfroBasket, having previously knocked them out in the 2017 quarterfinals.
Head Coach Abdulrahman Muhammed praised his team’s performance but admitted there was room for improvement in closing out games.
“This was a statement performance,” he said. “We knew Cameroon would come hard at us, but our boys stuck to the game plan. That second and third quarter showed exactly what we’re capable of. It’s a big boost heading into the quarterfinals.”
Stan Okoye echoed his coach’s sentiments, stressing the need for better game management.
“We were a little flat in the end,” he said. “It was great to knock down shots, but we could have done better on defence and taken better care of the ball. We have to learn how to close out games.”
Nigeria’s Group Stage Results:
Madagascar 59–77 Nigeria
Nigeria 87–66 Tunisia
Nigeria 99–90 Cameroon
With momentum on their side, D’Tigers will now look ahead to the quarterfinals as strong contenders for the AfroBasket title.
Posted by: Emdee David
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