WOMEN’S AFROBASKET: D’Tigress Beat Cameroon, Advance To Semi Final

WOMEN’S AFROBASKET: D’Tigress Beat Cameroon, Advance To Semi Final

Nigeria’s D’Tigress have booked their spot in the semifinals of the 2025 Women’s AfroBasket tournament in Abidjan with an emphatic 83–47 victory over Cameroon, keeping their title defense alive.

The win stretches their unbeaten streak in Africa to 27 games, a run that began in 2015, and brings them closer to clinching a record fifth consecutive title. So far, only Senegal has matched Nigeria’s feat of four straight titles.

At the Palais des Sports de Treichville on Wednesday night, Jessica Thomas and Maria Ewodo gave the Indomitable Lionesses an early 4–0 lead.

However, their momentum was short-lived as reigning MVP Amy Okonkwo put the defending champions on the board with a free throw.

An Elizabeth Balogun jumper soon gave Rena Wakama’s side a 5–4 advantage, sparking an 8–0 run that helped them close the first quarter ahead 21–9.

Cameroon fought back in the second quarter, matching Nigeria’s 20 points, but still trailed 41–29 at halftime.

The third quarter proved decisive, with D’Tigress unleashing a crushing 25–2 run that effectively sealed the fate of the 2021 bronze medalists.

Despite edging the fourth quarter 16–14, it was too little, too late for Cameroon.

Nigeria will now face Senegal in the first semifinal clash on Saturday.

Speaking after the game, guard Ezinne Kalu said the team showcased what she described as “Nigerian basketball.”

“We just needed to stick together and play Nigerian basketball. This is the definition of Nigerian basketball: fighting, throwing the first punch, setting the tone, and bringing the energy to win over our supporters and fans.

“We are super excited to move to the semifinals! It’s going to be a great game. Senegal is a great team, and I’m looking forward to playing them,” she said.