Nigeria’s D’Tigresses have advanced to the semifinals of the 2025 Women’s AfroBasket tournament in Abidjan, defeating Cameroon 83–47 and keeping their title defense alive.
The victory extends their unbeaten run in Africa to 27 games, dating back to 2015, and moves them closer to a record fifth consecutive title. Only Senegal has matched Nigeria’s current feat of four straight championships.
The game, held late Wednesday night at the Palais des Sports de Treichville, saw Jessica Thomas and Maria Ewodo get the Indomitable Lionesses off to a 4–0 start with hot shooting.
However, that was the only moment of dominance they would enjoy, as reigning MVP Amy Okonkwo got the defending champions on the board with a free throw.
With a jump shot from Elizabeth Balogun, Rena Wakama’s side took the lead at 5–4 and went on an 8–0 run in the final 2:40 of the quarter to end it 21–9.
Cameroon made adjustments and matched Nigeria with 20 points in the second quarter, but the first-quarter slump left them trailing 41–29 at halftime.
A dominant 25–2 third-quarter run by Nigeria sealed the fate of the 2021 bronze medalists, making their 16–14 fourth-quarter edge too little, too late.
Nigeria will face Senegal in the first semifinal game on Saturday.
After the game, team guard Ezinne Kalu emphasized the team’s identity:
“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.
