Nigeria’s D’Tigress have booked their place in the semifinals of the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket in Abidjan with a commanding 83–47 victory over Cameroon, keeping their title defense firmly on track.
The win extends Nigeria’s remarkable unbeaten streak in African competition to 27 games, dating back to 2015, and edges them closer to a record fifth consecutive continental title—a feat only Senegal has come close to matching with four titles.
Played late Thursday night at the Palais des Sports de Treichville, the quarterfinal clash saw Cameroon start brightly, with Jessica Thomas and Maria Ewodo combining to give the Indomitable Lionesses an early 4–0 lead.
However, Nigeria quickly seized control after reigning MVP Amy Okonkwo put the defending champions on the board with a free throw. A jump shot from Elizabeth Balogun handed Nigeria the lead at 5–4, and they closed out the first quarter with an 8–0 run, leading 21–9 at the buzzer.
Cameroon rallied in the second quarter, matching Nigeria with 20 points, but the first-quarter gap proved costly as Nigeria entered halftime with a 41–29 advantage.
The third quarter saw Rena Wakama’s team turn up the heat with a devastating 25–2 run, effectively ending Cameroon’s hopes. Though the 2021 bronze medalists edged the final quarter 16–14, the damage had already been done.
Nigeria will now face archrivals Senegal in the first semifinal on Saturday, setting up a blockbuster clash between two of Africa’s basketball powerhouses.
After the match, veteran guard Ezinne Kalu hailed the team’s performance and identity.
“We just needed to stick together and play Nigerian basketball,” she said. “This is the definition of Nigerian basketball—fighting, throwing the first punch, setting the tone, and bringing the energy to win over our supporters and fans.”
“We’re super excited to move to the semifinals! Senegal is a great team, and I’m looking forward to playing them.”