D’Tigress crush Cameroon 83-47, advance to AfroBasket Semifinals

Nigeria’s D’Tigress have powered into the semifinals of the 2025 Women’s AfroBasket tournament after a commanding 83-47 victory over Cameroon, extending their unbeaten run on the continent to 27 games since 2015.

The six-time champions are now on course for a historic fifth consecutive title, a feat only previously matched by Senegal. The defending champions overcame an early scare, with Cameroon’s Jessica Thomas and Maria Ewodo handing the Lionesses a brief 4-0 lead before reigning MVP Amy Okonkwo got Nigeria on the scoreboard with a free throw.

A jump shot from Elizabeth Balogun handed Nigeria a 5-4 lead, and Rena Wakama’s side never looked back, closing the first quarter with an 8-0 run to lead 21-9. Although Cameroon matched Nigeria with 20 points in the second quarter, the halftime score stood at 41-29 in favour of D’Tigress.

Nigeria completely shut down the Cameroonian offence in the third quarter with a ruthless 25-2 run, effectively sealing the game. Even though Cameroon edged the final quarter 16-14, it was too little too late.

Okonkwo led the charge with 18 points in under 19 minutes, but the win was a collective effort. All but one player who played at least 10 minutes scored, and four players finished in double figures.

While Cameroon now battles for fifth place, Nigeria eyes the final, where they hope to extend their reign in African women’s basketball.

“We played as a team, enjoying the game by doing what we do best, and this is the result,” said Nigerian forward Murjanatu Musa. “We feel great about making it to the semifinals again.”

Guard Ezinne Kalu added, “This is the definition of Nigerian basketball: fighting, throwing the first punch, setting the tone, and bringing the energy. We are super excited to move to the semifinals! Senegal is a great team, and I’m looking forward to playing them.”