FIBA AfroBasket 2025: Nigeria Clinch Quarterfinal Spot After Beating Cameroon

Nigeria’s D’Tigers ended their Group B campaign at the FIBA AfroBasket 2025, defeating Cameroon 99-90 on Sunday at the Pavilhao Multiusos de Kilamba. The win secured Nigeria a flawless 3-0 group record and direct qualification to the quarterfinals.

The encounter saw six Nigerian players score in double figures, showcasing the team’s depth and offensive firepower. 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 chipped in valuable contributions.

Cameroon’s offensive spark came from Fabien Ateba (19 points) and Yves Missi (18), with Jeremiah Hill adding 16 before exiting with a knee injury. Samir Gbetkom also scored 13 for the Indomitable Lions, who finished the group stage 2-1.

The opening quarter set the tone for an end-to-end contest, with Nigeria edging ahead 28-25. Mekowulu sank two early threes for Nigeria, while Hill led Cameroon’s early charge.

In the second quarter, the D’Tigers turned up the heat, outscoring Cameroon 30-16 to establish firm control. Agada poured in 10 points in that stretch, and Mekowulu extended his hot shooting, going 4-of-5 from beyond the arc.

Stan Okoye proved pivotal off the bench, shooting a perfect 4-for-4 from deep and grabbing seven rebounds. Alongside Okogie, the duo combined for 30 points that lifted Nigeria at crucial moments.

Nigeria’s three-point shooting was the difference-maker. The D’Tigers drained 15 triples, the most by any team in the tournament so far, leaving Cameroon struggling to keep pace. Despite a late fourth-quarter rally that cut the deficit after Nigeria had led by as many as 34, Cameroon’s comeback fell short.

Stan Okoye, however, expressed his disappointment with how Nigeria finished the fourth quarter beaten.

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,” he said.

This was the fourth AfroBasket meeting between the two nations, with Nigeria also having knocked out Cameroon in the 2017 quarterfinals. Nigeria now advances to the quarterfinals, while Cameroon will look to regroup in the qualification round.

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