D’TIGERS SUFFER HEAVY DEFEAT TO CAMEROON IN WORLD CUP QUALIFIER

Nigeria’s senior men’s basketball team, D’Tigers, began the second round of the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup African Qualifiers on a disappointing note after losing 78–62 to Cameroon in Tunisia. 

The defeat came at the Salle Multidisciplinaire de Radès in Radès on Thursday, with Cameroon taking control of the contest from the first quarter and maintaining their advantage until the final buzzer.

Nigeria initially showed promise, taking an early 6–2 lead, but Cameroon quickly recovered. The Central Africans produced a decisive 13–0 run late in the opening quarter to move from 11–7 ahead to 20–11.

Cameroon eventually won the first quarter 23–14, while the second period ended 18–18. Nigeria struggled to close the gap after the break, losing the third quarter 19–16 before Cameroon sealed the victory by taking the final period 18–14. 

Cameroon’s Yves Missi was the standout performer, recording 24 points, nine rebounds and four blocks in 26 minutes. His efficiency from the field helped Cameroon maintain a comfortable lead throughout the game.

Christian Koloko also played an important role for Cameroon, with his dunk midway through the opening quarter helping the hosts regain momentum after Nigeria had briefly taken the lead.

For D’Tigers, Ike Nwamu and Josh Okogie were among the players who contributed during Nigeria’s early surge, but the team struggled to maintain its composure as Cameroon increased the pressure.

The result leaves Nigeria in a difficult position in Group E, where they currently sit fourth with 11 points. Cameroon and South Sudan occupy the top two automatic qualification positions. 

D’Tigers will have little time to recover, as they are scheduled to face South Sudan on Friday, before concluding this qualifying window against Cape Verde on August 30.

Nigeria must now improve significantly in its remaining fixtures to keep its hopes of qualifying for the 2027 FIBA World Cup in Qatar alive. Under the qualification format, the top two teams in each group and the best third-placed team will secure tickets to the tournament.