Nigerian basketball fans had plenty to cheer about as D’Tigers charged into the AfroBasket 2025 quarterfinals, overcoming Cameroon 99-90 in a thrilling Group B finale. This victory, achieved at the Pavilhão Multiusos de Kilamba stadium in Angola, capped off an undefeated run for Nigeria in the opening phase of the prestigious African basketball championship.
With this win, D’Tigers not only preserved their unbeaten record in Luanda but also booked an automatic spot in the tournament’s quarterfinal round, further cementing their status as continental heavyweights.
D’Tigers Showcase Balanced Offence and Deadly Perimeter Shooting
One of the defining features of Nigeria’s display was a well-distributed offence, with six players posting double-digit scores. Josh Okogie led the way with 16 points, displaying poise and aggression whenever his team needed a spark.
Caleb Agada was hot on his heels with 15 points, while Stan Okoye delivered an unforgettable impact off the bench, making all four of his three-point attempts to tally 14 vital points.
Christian Mekowulu and Ike Nwamu both added 12 points, showcasing Nigeria’s depth, and Martins Igbanu rounded out the major contributors with 10 points of his own.
Cameroon’s charge was spearheaded by Fabien Ateba who poured in 19 points, and Yves Missi who contributed 18. Jeremiah Hill impressed with 16 points before unfortunately limping off due to a knee injury, which affected the visitors’ rhythm.
What truly set Nigeria apart on the night was their three-point shooting — the team connected on 15 triples, a tournament-high at AfroBasket 2025 so far, drawing admiration from neutrals and rival fans alike.
Momentum Shifts: Second Quarter Defines the Contest
The opening quarter set an intense tone, with both teams exchanging early blows. Nigeria edged ahead 28-25, with Cameroon’s Hill scoring seven points in the opening exchanges. However, Nigeria’s Mekowulu steadied the ship with two crucial three-pointers, keeping the West Africans in front.
The game’s direction changed dramatically in the second quarter. D’Tigers ratcheted up their defensive intensity and transition game, outscoring Cameroon 30-16. The halftime buzzer sounded with Nigeria comfortably in control, holding a commanding 60-43 lead. Agada was particularly explosive in this quarter, pouring in 10 points, while Mekowulu’s third deep ball helped him finish 4-of-5 from distance at halftime — a display of marksmanship rarely seen on the continental stage.
Nigeria’s onslaught continued in the third quarter, expanding their advantage to a staggering 31 points at 81-50. At this stage, Cameroonian fans began to worry that a rout might be in the offing, as their team struggled to keep pace with D’Tigers.
Cameroon Mounts a Brave Comeback—But Nigeria Holds Firm
Despite staring down a 34-point deficit in the closing stages, Cameroon refused to quit. Powered by a late surge from Ateba and Missi, the Indomitable Lions chipped away at the lead, eventually bringing the score to within single digits. However, Nigeria’s experience and composure saw them close out the contest 99-90, keeping qualification dreams alive for both sides.
Cameroon ended the group stage with a respectable 2-1 record. While they narrowly missed out on an automatic quarterfinal berth, they now enter the qualification playoffs determined to continue their quest for glory and take lessons from this high-paced encounter.
Spotlight: Stan Okoye’s Impeccable Shooting Display
Among the many stars for Nigeria, Stan Okoye’s performance was especially noteworthy. Rising from the bench, he delivered a clinical shooting exhibition, tallying 14 points with a flawless 4-for-4 showing from beyond the arc. Okoye also snatched seven rebounds, providing invaluable hustle and stability on both ends of the floor.
His ability to punish Cameroon’s perimeter defense every time they threatened to rally gave Nigeria a reliable weapon down the stretch, reminding fans why depth is so crucial in tournament basketball.
Josh Okogie was another standout, leading the scoring charts for the team with 16 points. His relentless drive and defensive energy underlined Nigeria’s all-round quality.
Player Reactions and Post-Game Reflections
D’Tigers’ players expressed mixed feelings after the final whistle. While pleased with their shooting display and secure progress into the next round, several admitted concern about allowing Cameroon’s late charge. Stan Okoye noted the importance of closing games more efficiently and said the team’s “outside shooting was a big positive, but we have to stay locked in defensively if we want to go all the way.” According to local Lagos-based sports analyst Tunde Ogunjimi, “Nigeria has the tools and talent, but must maintain mental sharpness for 40 minutes to fulfil their championship ambitions.”
“We were a little disappointed because we were a little flat in the end. We have learn to close out games and 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.”
Key Numbers and What They Reveal
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15 made three-pointers by Nigeria — highest by any AfroBasket team so far, underscoring the team’s outside shooting prowess.
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D’Tigers had six players reach double-digit points, demonstrating remarkable scoring balance.
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Despite Cameroon’s thrilling late push, the game was decided in the second quarter, as Nigeria outscored their opponents by 14 points during that all-important stretch.
Final Thoughts: What Does This Mean for Nigeria and Africa?
Nigeria’s success in Luanda highlights their defensive intensity and prolific perimeter game—factors that have made them perennial contenders at AfroBasket. According to the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), the D’Tigers’ tactical discipline and teamwork have “set a benchmark for West African basketball, inspiring fans from Lagos to Accra to Abidjan.”
This encounter was the fourth AfroBasket showdown between Nigeria and Cameroon, adding another memorable chapter to a growing rivalry. Historically, Nigeria has had the edge, including a decisive win in the 2017 quarterfinals. Their current journey echoes past triumphs but also signals the growing depth of talent across African basketball, as teams such as Cameroon and debutants from other West African nations continue to push the giants.
With momentum squarely behind them, the D’Tigers advance confidently to the quarterfinals, carrying the hopes of millions of Nigerian and West African fans. As Cameroon regroups for the playoff round, there is a growing sense that this generation of African basketballers is raising the bar for the sport across the continent—and beyond.
