The D’Tigers of Nigeria showcased their exceptional skill and determination on Sunday, securing a spot in the quarterfinals of the ongoing 2025 AfroBasket Championship with a thrilling 99-90 victory over Cameroon.
The win marks Nigeria’s third straight triumph in the tournament, cementing their position at the top of Group B with an unbeaten record.
The match began with a tightly contested first quarter, ending 28-27 in Nigeria’s favour.
However, the D’Tigers shifted gears in the second quarter, dominating both ends of the court to storm ahead 58-41 at halftime.
Their impressive performance continued into the third quarter, where they stretched their lead to 31 points, effectively putting the game out of Cameroon’s reach.
Josh Okogie led the charge for Nigeria with an impressive 16 points, 7 assists, 2 rebounds, and 2 steals.
Stan Okoye chipped in with 14 points, while Caleb Agada added 13 points to the tally.
Okogie’s perfect 4-for-4 shooting from beyond the arc, along with his 7 rebounds, made a significant impact off the bench.
Nigeria’s three-point shooting proved decisive, with the team sinking 15 triples, the most by any team in the tournament so far.
Despite trailing by as many as 34 points, Cameroon staged a late rally in the fourth quarter, narrowing the deficit.
However, Nigeria’s composure and defensive resilience held firm, securing a deserved nine-point win.
Fabien Ateba led Cameroon with 19 points, supported by Yves Missi’s 18 points and Jeremiah Hill’s 16 points before he exited with a knee injury.
With this victory, Nigeria advances to the quarterfinals, where they will face a yet-to-be-determined opponent.
The team’s next challenge will be a test of their skills and determination as they chase a fourth AfroBasket title.
Cameroon, on the other hand, will proceed to the playoffs, seeking another chance to reach the last eight in the championship.
Leave a comment