AFCON 2025
Nigeria’s D’Tigers powered past Cameroon in a thrilling AfroBasket Group B decider, securing a 90-81 victory that sealed a perfect 3-0 record and a direct ticket to the quarterfinals.
The opening quarter set the tone for a high-scoring contest, with both sides trading baskets before Nigeria edged ahead 28-25. Jordan Mekowulu sparked early for the D’Tigers, hitting two triples for six points, while Cameroon’s Hill led all scorers with seven.
Nigeria turned on the heat in the second quarter, outscoring the Indomitable Lions 30-16 to open up a commanding lead. Caleb Agada was electric in this stretch, dropping 10 points, including a deep three, while Mekowulu continued his hot shooting from beyond the arc.
Josh Okogie and Stan Okoye proved decisive in the clash, combining for 30 points. Okoye, coming off the bench, was flawless from distance, sinking four of four three-pointers and adding seven rebounds to his tally.
Cameroon’s struggles from deep contrasted sharply with Nigeria’s long-range excellence. The D’Tigers drilled 15 three-pointers, the highest by any team in the competition so far, leaving their opponents chasing shadows for much of the night.
Though Cameroon mounted a spirited fight-back in the final quarter after falling behind by as many as 34 points, it was too little too late. Nigeria’s strong defensive structure ultimately ensured the win, frustrating Cameroon’s late surge.
The victory continues Nigeria’s dominance over their Central African rivals, having previously eliminated them in the 2017 quarterfinals. With the win, the D’Tigers topped Group B unbeaten, while Cameroon settled for second place with a 2-1 record.
