- Throttle Cameroon 83–47, Extend Unbeaten Streak to 27 Games
- Dominate Cameroon to Seal Semi‑Final Spot and Mark New Era
By Oluwatobiloba Adeoye, Abidjan
Friday, August 1, 2025 | Palais des Sports de Treichville, Abidjan
Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, on Thursday night delivered a clinical performance to overpower Cameroon 83–47 and secure a place in the semifinals of the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
With the resounding win, D’Tigress remain firmly on course to make history as the first African women’s basketball team to win the AfroBasket title five times in a row—a feat that would cement their legacy as the most dominant side in the history of the tournament.
From tip-off at 10:00 p.m. (WAT), the Nigerian ladies set the tone for a commanding display, showing early intent with a fast-paced, aggressive style. They closed the first quarter with a comfortable 21–9 lead, before extending their advantage to 41–29 by halftime.
Cameroon, who had previously handed Nigeria their last AfroBasket defeat in the 2015 semifinals, were simply no match for the reigning champions this time. The D’Tigress came out of the locker room firing, restricting their opponents to just two points in the third quarter and finishing the second half with a dominant 42–18 run.
The team’s fluid attacking play and watertight defense left little doubt about their intentions for the tournament. Star forward Amy Okonkwo led Nigeria’s scoring with 18 points, six rebounds, and one assist, while Nicole Enabosi and Victoria Macaulay contributed 12 points apiece. Elizabeth Balogun also added 11 points in a display that saw all 12 players on the Nigerian roster register points.
The match also marked the return of team captain Sarah Ogoke, who had missed the group stage due to injury. She provided an early three-pointer to energize the team and supporters, underlining her importance as a seasoned leader on and off the court.
Speaking after the victory, head coach Rena Wakama praised the discipline and depth of the team, stating that the rotation strategy and collective spirit were key to Nigeria’s dominance. “Every player stepped up today. We’re focused, but we know the job is not done yet,” she said.
With Thursday’s result, D’Tigress have now gone a full decade unbeaten in the Women’s AfroBasket, winning 27 consecutive games since their last loss—ironically against Cameroon in 2015. Since then, they’ve claimed four back-to-back titles in 2017, 2019, 2021, and 2023.
The team will now face Senegal in the semifinals on Saturday, August 3, 2025, at the same venue in Abidjan. A win would send them into the finals and keep the dream of a historic five-peat alive.
As Nigeria continues to make headlines on the African sports stage, the D’Tigress remain a source of pride and inspiration—showcasing not only athletic excellence but the power of unity, preparation, and national spirit.
RESULT:
Quarterfinal: Nigeria 83–47 Cameroon
Q1: 21–9 | Q2: 20–20 | Q3: 22–2 | Q4: 20–16
Top Scorers:
- Amy Okonkwo – 18 pts, 6 rebs
- Nicole Enabosi – 12 pts
- Victoria Macaulay – 12 pts
- Elizabeth Balogun – 11 pts
Next Fixture:
Nigeria vs Senegal – Semifinal
Date: Saturday, August 3, 2025
Venue: Palais des Sports de Treichville, Abidjan
Time: 9:00 p.m. WAT
