Women’s AfroBasket: D’Tigress to Seek Revenge in Quarter-Final Clash v Cameroon for Narrow 2015 SF Defeat

Nigeria’s National Women’s Basketball team will Today, July 31, 2025, face off against Cameroon at 10.00pm in the Quarter-Final of the FIBA Women’s Afrobasket Championship at the Palais des Sports de Treichville, Côte d’Ivoire(CIV.)

Cameroon defeated Angola 85-64 in the quarter-final qualifiers to set up a clash with 5-peat chasing D’Tigress after failing to finish top of their group and secure straight qualification. Nigeria on the other hand, finished top of Group D, after seeing off Rwanda emphatically(60-55) and Mozambique(92-45) from trailing position.

Nigeria, having secured direct qualification to the quarterfinals, has had a two-day break, providing the team more time to recover and prepare. In contrast, Cameroon enters the tie with only 24 hours of rest.

Both sides have met seven times, with Nigeria dominating the fixture, winning 5-2. The last meeting was on Tuesday, August 13, 2019, in the FIBA Women’s Afrobasket group phase, where Nigeria demolished the Lionesses 106-39.

But despite the dominance, Nigeria’s last defeat at the FIBA Women’s Afrobasket came against Cameroon(host Nation), in the semi-final on Friday, October 2, 2015, losing by just a point, 71-70. Cameroon have won two of the three last meetings between the Nations.

Recall that Nigeria has been unbeaten since 2015, after the loss to Cameroon, maintaining a 26-0 run in the competition. The D’Tigress are in hot pursuit of a historic fifth consecutive title, after winning the last four editions – they won in 2017 at Bamako, Mali, 2019 at Dakar, Senegal, 2021 at Yaounde, Cameroon, and 2023 at Kigali, Rwanda.

Preview Proper:

Averages per game

On the attacking side, Nigeria shoots 52.9% from the two-point range, 22.2% from threes, and 66.7% from the free throw line. Cameroon shoots 45% from twos, 29.6% from deep and 70% from the free throw line. Nigeria has made 33% of their points in the paint, Cameroon has made 23.3%. Nigeria’s bench appears more productive, scoring 23% compared to Cameroon’s 14.7%.

Defensively, Nigeria appear more solid, with 14.5% in steals, and 6% in blocks. Cameroon are 5.3% in steals and 2.7% in blocks. Nigeria are prone to more turnovers, with a 16% record, compared to Cameroon’s 13.7%.

Although prone to turnovers, the D’Tigress have developed the awareness to feed off the opposition’s lapses in that area, scoring 23.5% off turnovers. Cameroon has 11.7%. Nigeria are also quicker and efficient in transition, making 21.5% fast break points, Cameroon 9.31. Cameroon are 14.3% in second chance points, while Nigeria are 14%.

Against Angola, the Indomitable Lionesses excelled from behind the arc, shooting 11-for-27.

Players to watch

Cameroon’s Jessica Thomas in action in the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Championship.

Jessica Thomas

The 5’6 combo Guard was Cameroon’s standout player against Cameroon, as her team-high 19 points and five assists, proved crucial in the victory. She has averaged 17 points per game – the third in the tournament.

Joelly Belleka, who contributed 13 points and a game-high eight assists; Dulcy Fankam, who terrorised Angola’s paint with her aggressive plays, finishing with 13 points; and Marguerite Effa – were also vital in the encounter and could spell danger for the Nigerians.

Team News: A veteran returns to the fold

Veteran guard Sarah Ogoke, who missed the team’s first two group matches, is set to join the already quality-studded Nigerian side. Ogoke’s return brings valuable experience and leadership to a team that already includes seasoned players such as Promise Amukamara, Amy Okonkwo, and Ezinne Kalu. At 35 years old, Ogoke has participated in Nigeria’s last four championship runs and is expected to play a crucial role as the team advances to the knockout stage.

What’s Next for the Victor?

The winner in this clash will advance to the semi-finals and take on the victor between and hosts Ivory Coast and 11-time champions Senegal.