Nigeria’s D’Tigress, the reigning African champions, continued their dominant run in the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket, securing a resounding 83-47 victory over Cameroon in the quarter-finals held in Abidjan. This commanding performance propelled them into the semi-finals, where they are set to face a formidable Senegal team. The victory not only solidified their position as a powerhouse in African women’s basketball but also guaranteed their participation in the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup qualifying tournaments, a testament to their consistent excellence on the continental stage.
The quarter-final clash against Cameroon showcased the D’Tigress’ depth and resilience. Despite a brief initial surge by Cameroon, who opened the game with a 4-0 lead, Nigeria swiftly responded, taking control of the game and establishing a 7-4 advantage. The fatigue from Cameroon’s previous late-night qualification match against Angola became evident as Nigeria’s superior conditioning and tactical prowess overwhelmed their opponents. Coach Rena Wakama’s strategic rotations and the team’s overall execution proved too much for the Cameroonian side to handle. The D’Tigress’ aggressive play on both ends of the court dictated the tempo of the game, leaving Cameroon struggling to keep pace.
Amy Okonkwo emerged as a key figure in Nigeria’s dominant performance, putting on a scoring clinic in the first half, amassing 15 points and grabbing 5 rebounds. Her relentless attacks on the basket and consistent offensive presence created opportunities for her teammates and disrupted Cameroon’s defensive strategy. Okonkwo’s performance set the tone for the rest of the game, inspiring her teammates to elevate their level of play. Complementing Okonkwo’s offensive firepower was Victoria Macaulay, whose impactful contributions off the bench provided an added dimension to Nigeria’s attack. Macaulay’s presence in the paint, combined with her offensive efficiency, further destabilized the Cameroonian defense.
By halftime, the D’Tigress had established a commanding 36-18 lead, demonstrating their complete control over the game. Their relentless offensive pressure and stifling defense left Cameroon with few answers. This momentum carried over into the second half, with Nigeria continuing to extend their lead. The third quarter witnessed a complete dismantling of the Cameroonian side, with the D’Tigress outscoring them significantly to end the quarter at a staggering 66-31. This overwhelming lead put the game beyond any doubt, showcasing the vast disparity in performance between the two teams.
The final buzzer solidified Nigeria’s comprehensive victory, with several players contributing significantly to the final tally. Amy Okonkwo finished the game with an impressive 18 points, 6 rebounds, and 1 assist, confirming her status as a key player for the D’Tigress. Point guard Ezinne Kalu orchestrated the offense with her exceptional ball-handling and court vision, dishing out five assists and ensuring a smooth flow of play. Nicole Enabosi added 12 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists, while Victoria Macaulay also contributed 12 points, along with 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, and 2 blocks. Elizabeth Balogun rounded out the double-digit scorers with 11 points, 5 rebounds, 1 steal, and 1 block, demonstrating the team’s depth and balanced scoring attack.
This impressive win against Cameroon, combined with the victories of Mali, Senegal, and South Sudan, secured a place for all four African teams in the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup qualifying tournaments scheduled for March. These four nations will join 20 other teams from across the globe, including representatives from the Americas, in the quest to qualify for the World Cup. The Americas region will be represented by Brazil, Argentina, the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, and Colombia, adding further excitement and competitiveness to the qualifying tournaments. The success of the African teams in the AfroBasket tournament highlights the growth and development of women’s basketball on the continent and sets the stage for a thrilling and competitive World Cup qualifying campaign.
