Nigeria’s D’Tigers closed out their Group B campaign in emphatic fashion, defeating Cameroon 99-90 on Sunday at the Pavilhão Multiusos de Kilamba to secure a perfect 3-0 record and an automatic ticket to the AfroBasket 2025 quarterfinals.
The victory was built on a balanced offensive effort, with six Nigerians 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 significant contributions.
Cameroon fought hard but could not contain Nigeria’s perimeter firepower, Fabien Ateba paced the Indomitable Lions with 19 points, Yves Missi added 18, Jeremiah Hill scored 16 before leaving with a knee injury, and Samir Gbetkom contributed 13.
Turning Point
The opening quarter was frantic, with both teams trading baskets as Nigeria edged ahead 28-25. Mekowulu’s long-range shooting and Hill’s early spark for Cameroon hinted at a high-scoring contest.
But in the second quarter, Nigeria seized control and outscored Cameroon 30-16, powered by Agada’s 10-point burst and Mekowulu’s accuracy from deep.
By halftime, the Nigerians had built a commanding lead that proved decisive.
Hero
Okogie and Okoye were central to Nigeria’s dominance, combining for 30 points. Okoye, coming off the bench, went a perfect 4-for-4 from three-point range while adding seven rebounds in a standout performance.
Stats Don’t Lie
Nigeria’s three-point shooting was the difference. The D’Tigers drained 15 triples – the most by any team in the tournament so far – while Cameroon struggled to keep pace.
Although the Indomitable Lions mounted a spirited fourth-quarter rally, cutting into a deficit that had once been 34 points, it came too late to threaten Nigeria’s control.
Bottom Line
Nigeria’s defensive intensity and outside shooting proved too much for Cameroon, ensuring the D’Tigers topped Group B ahead of their long-time rivals.
It was their fourth AfroBasket meeting, with Nigeria once again emerging victorious after eliminating Cameroon in the 2017 quarterfinals.
The result leaves Nigeria unbeaten at 3-0 and safely into the last eight, while Cameroon finish second in the group at 2-1.
What They Said
Stan Okoye reflected on the win but admitted Nigeria must manage games better:
“We were a little disappointed because we were a little flat in the end. We have to learn to close out games and not let teams come back like that. It was really great to knock down shots, but we could have done better on defence and taken better care with the turnovers.”