Cameroon end D’Tigers’ winning run in World Cup Qualifiers

Nigeria’s D’Tigers suffered their second defeat of the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup African qualifiers after losing 78-62 to Cameroon in Rades, Tunisia.

The defeat ended Nigeria’s three-game winning streak after David Fizdale’s side had swept their previous qualifying window to revive their World Cup hopes.

Cameroon controlled three of the four quarters, with Yves Missi proving particularly difficult for the Nigerian defence. He finished with a game-high 24 points and nine rebounds.

Nigeria struggled with their shooting, converting 33.3 per cent of their two-point attempts compared with Cameroon’s 50 per cent.

The Nigerians were also behind from three-point range, 17.8 per cent to Cameroon’s 27.6, while Cameroon converted 74.1 per cent of their free throws compared with Nigeria’s 66.7 per cent.

Caleb Agada led D’Tigers with 13 points, while Efe Abogidi added 12. Josh Okogie grabbed a game-high 10 rebounds.

Nigeria have 11 points from four wins and two defeats and remain fourth in Group E.

South Sudan defeated Guinea 81-71 to move to 12 points, one behind leaders Cameroon.

D’Tigers will return to action against Guinea today, at 1pm in another important qualifier.

The top two teams in each group, alongside the best third-placed side across the two groups, will qualify for the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup in Qatar.