U18 AfroBasket: D’Tigress defeat Cameroon for semi-final spot

Nigeria U18 D’Tigress booked their place in the semi-finals of the 2026 FIBA U18 Women’s AfroBasket after defeating Cameroon 75-45 in their quarter-final on Wednesday, www.aclsports.com reports.

The Junior D’Tigress, who lost 75-74 to Cameroon after overtime in their group-stage meeting, produced a strong response to reach the final four at the Palais des Sports de Treichville in Côte d’Ivoire.

Nigeria made a strong start, taking an early 20-8 lead after the opening quarter. The Junior D’Tigress continued to control the game in the second quarter, outscoring Cameroon 28-12 to establish a commanding 48-20 advantage at halftime.

Cameroon came out stronger after the break and scored 19 points in the third quarter, but Nigeria had already built a significant cushion and remained in control heading into the final period. Nigeria then limited Cameroon to six points in the fourth quarter to complete a comfortable 75-45 victory.

Peter Oluwaseun Akindele’s side shot 35.5 percent from the field, including 41.7 percent from three-point range, and converted 11 of 17 attempts from the free-throw line. Nigeria also registered 25 assists compared to Cameroon’s 14 and forced 31 turnovers, turning those mistakes into 28 points.

Favour Joy Anari led Nigeria’s scoring with 16 points, while also contributing eight assists, three rebounds and five steals. Zainab Adelaja added 13 points and eight rebounds, with Oluwatobiloba Owolabi contributing 11 points and four assists.

Precious Grace Aladelua recorded a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds, while Edore Pela finished with seven points and five assists.

The victory sends the Junior D’Tigress into the semi-finals, where they will face either hosts Côte d’Ivoire or Tunisia. A place in the final would also secure Nigeria’s qualification for the 2027 FIBA U19 Women’s Basketball World Cup.