Nigeria’s D’Tigresses extended their AfroBasket unbeaten streak to 27 games, thrashing hosts Cameroon 83-47. Dominant in all facets, the reigning champions advanced to the semifinals, edging closer to a record-breaking fifth straight continental title.
Last Updated on
August 1, 2025
Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, the D’Tigresses, continued their continental dominance at the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket by dismantling hosts Cameroon 83-47 in a thrilling quarterfinal clash. The resounding victory not only secured their place in the semifinals but also extended their unbeaten streak in Africa to an astonishing 27 games an unbroken run dating back to 2015.
Now on the brink of a historic fifth consecutive AfroBasket title, Nigeria’s march toward glory remains relentless. Only Senegal has previously matched their feat of winning four consecutive continental championships, and with this commanding performance, the reigning champions look poised to rewrite the record books.
The game began with a spark from the Cameroonian duo of Jessica Thomas and Maria Ewodo, who helped the Indomitable Lionesses surge to a 4-0 lead. However, the early advantage was short-lived. Nigeria’s reigning MVP, Amy Okonkwo, put her team on the board with a composed free throw, calming the nerves and setting the tone for what would become a complete takeover.
A jump shot from Elizabeth Balogun handed Nigeria their first lead at 5-4. From there, Coach Rena Wakama’s side went on an 8-0 run in the final 2:40 of the first quarter to lead 21-9. Though Cameroon managed to match Nigeria’s output in the second quarter, scoring 20 points apiece, the damage had already been done. The halftime scoreboard read 41-29 in favor of the defending champions.
If there were any doubts about Nigeria’s control, they were emphatically erased in the third quarter. The D’Tigresses unleashed a ferocious 25-2 run, suffocating Cameroon on both ends of the floor. Every pass, drive, and rebound screamed of confidence and cohesion. Despite Cameroon edging the fourth quarter 16-14, the game had long been decided, and Nigeria cruised to a 36-point victory.
While Amy Okonkwo led the scoring with 18 points in just under 19 minutes, Nigeria’s triumph was a collective masterclass. Four players scored in double digits, and nearly every player who logged more than 10 minutes contributed to the scoreboard. It was a showcase of depth and versatility—key ingredients in any title-winning campaign.
Murjanatu Musa summed it up best: “We played as a team, enjoying the game by doing what we do best, and this is the result. We feel great about making it to the semifinals again.”
The numbers told a brutal truth for Cameroon. Nigeria outscored them 46-15 in points in the paint, ran them off the floor with a 21-8 advantage in fast breaks, and capitalized on turnovers with a lopsided 26-6 margin. The Nigerian bench also put on a clinic, contributing 42 points to Cameroon’s 15.
Despite the defeat, Cameroon showed flashes of potential, particularly in the second and fourth quarters. However, the gulf in experience and execution proved too much to bridge.
With this win, Nigeria sets up a blockbuster semifinal clash against Senegal a team they know all too well. The matchup is a rivalry steeped in history, and fans can expect fireworks.
“We just needed to stick together and play Nigerian basketball,” said veteran guard Ezinne Kalu. “This is the definition of Nigerian basketball: fighting, throwing the first punch, setting the tone, and bringing the energy.”
As for Cameroon, their AfroBasket dream may be over for now, but guard Joelly Belleka expressed optimism: “Nigeria is a great team. We wanted to make history for Cameroon basketball. It’s okay, though. Maybe it’s not our turn, but we’ll keep working and come back stronger.”
With their eyes firmly on the prize, the D’Tigresses continue to set the standard in African women’s basketball. Their balance of individual brilliance and unselfish teamwork makes them the team to beat. The road to a record fifth title is treacherous but if their quarterfinal performance is any indication, Nigeria is more than ready to walk it.
[Photography Courtesy of FIBA]
