Nigeria’s D’Tigers advanced to the knockout stage of the 2025 FIBA AfroBasket in Angola after defeating Cameroon 99–90 in their final Group D clash on Sunday.
The victory sealed Nigeria’s place at the top of their group, maintaining their unbeaten run following earlier wins against Madagascar and Tunisia.
Following their qualification, the players revealed the secret to their winning streak after being impenetrable in their group games.
Guard Ike Nwamu explained that the team’s resilience, especially in the opening quarter, was built on their defensive identity.
D’Tigers edged Cameroon 28–25 in the first quarter before going on to close out the game strongly.
“Our identity as a team is defense, so we wanted to come out and really set the tone that way.”
D’Tigers’ Eke: “The Job’s Not Done”
Forward Devine Eke said the team is fully motivated to “go all the way” at this year’s AfroBasket after sealing their place in the quarterfinals.
Eke credited the team’s execution of the coaches’ game plan. He explained that every player played their role in securing the win.
“I mean, we feel good, but you know, the job’s not done and we’re ready to win this whole thing.”
“I’m not going to lie to you, but we feel really good, but on to the next one. I think we executed right, we followed the game plan, so that’s a big up for our coaches.”
“They really did this guy really well, but it was a good game overall. Everyone played their role and on this team, like, as long as we continue to play our role, I think anything is possible.”
“We’re going to celebrate this win and we’re going to prepare for that one.”
“It’s going to be an interesting game, it’s going to be a fun game, but I think we’re going to, we know what to do, we have the objective to do what we got to do.”
“So, I’m ready and we’re all ready.”
