D’Tigers Fall 78-62 Against Cameroon in World Cup Qualifiers

Nigeria’s D’Tigers suffered a disappointing start to the second round of the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup African Qualifiers, losing 78-62 to Cameroon in Radès, Tunisia, on Thursday.

Cameroon dominated the game after recovering from an early Nigerian advantage, taking control midway through the first quarter and maintaining their lead until the final buzzer.

Nigeria briefly led 11-9 before Christian Koloko’s dunk tied the game at 11-11. Cameroon then pulled away to win the opening quarter 23-14.

D’Tigers responded by tying the second quarter 18-18, but Cameroon remained firmly in control, winning the third quarter 19-16 and the final quarter 18-14.

Cameroon’s Yves Missi was the standout performer, recording 24 points, nine rebounds and four blocks in 26 minutes and 42 seconds.

Missi shot nine of 13 from the field and six of eight from the free-throw line, finishing with an impressive 30 efficiency rating.

His powerful dunks in the second and fourth quarters helped Cameroon maintain its advantage, extending the lead to 27-17 in the second quarter and later to 65-50 in the final period.

D’Tigers struggled to produce a sustained response after Cameroon established its advantage, with the Central Africans effectively controlling the tempo and preventing Nigeria from mounting a serious comeback.

The defeat leaves Nigeria needing a stronger performance in its remaining games of the qualifying window as it continues its campaign for a place at the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup in Qatar.