Jeremiah Hill - The Big Tip Off

Eagles, D’Tigers, Lions and Ankoay spearhead Group B

Group B Overview

Group B at AfroBasket 2025 promises fierce competition. Reigning champions Tunisia, perennial contenders Nigeria, an improving Cameroon, and plucky Madagascar make up the group.

Tunisia arrives aiming for a historic third straight title, backed by a balanced and efficient squad. Nigeria has the talent to challenge, but Cameroon is Tunisia’s true competitor in this group. The Indomitable Lions have shown consistency and steady growth across recent senior men’s tournaments. Their blend of young talent and experience makes them a formidable threat eager to improve on past performances.

Meanwhile, Madagascar returns after a 14-year absence, motivated to demonstrate growth and resilience. With only two knockout spots available, this group will truly test each team’s mettle and adaptability.

Tunisia – The Reigning Contenders

The Carthage Eagles enter the tournament as one of Africa’s most dominant basketball nations. With three titles (2011, 2017, and 2021) under their belt, Tunisia are chasing history with their pursuit of a third consecutive crown, a feat only achieved by Angola. Currently ranked 4th in Africa and 36th globally, Tunisia’s strong qualifying run showcased their offensive balance and defensive discipline, but it also exposed some vulnerabilities, including a recent loss to Angola.

Under coach Mehdy Mary, whose European experience has sharpened Tunisia’s tactical edge, the team boasts a balanced mix of veteran leadership and rising talent. Omar Abada, the qualifiers’ top scorer and assist leader for Tunisia, offers clutch playmaking, while Oussama Marnaoui provides scoring versatility. Tunisia leads the group in shooting efficiency (45% FG, 57.5% 3P, 78.8% FT), assists (19 per game), and blocks (11.2 per game), making them favourites. Maintaining consistency and depth will be key to their success.

Hill AfroBasket — **Jeremiah Hill’s playmaking ability will be pivotal for Cameroon in the AfroBasket. Pictures: FIBA Africa**

Cameroon – The Balanced Threat

Cameroon arrives with momentum and a motivated coaching staff led by Alfred Aboya, a former national player turned coach. Ranked ninth in Africa and 64th worldwide, Cameroon finished the qualifiers with a solid 4-2 record highlighted by strong rebounding and balanced scoring.

New Orleans Pelicans standout rookie Yves Missi will form part of Aboya’s roster, adding an extra layer of athleticism and potential to an already competitive team led by key contributors like Jeremiah Hill and Williams Narace. Cameroon dominated the boards in qualifiers, averaging 48.8 rebounds per game, in their qualifying group, while Williams Narace’s 56.6% three-point shooting stretched defences effectively.

However, the team struggled with shooting efficiency overall (38.8% FG) and recorded moderate turnovers (17.5 per game). If they can improve their perimeter shooting and maintain their rebounding dominance, Cameroon is well-positioned to challenge Tunisia for the top spot.

Nigeria – The Resurgent Giants

Nigeria’s D’Tigers remain a team which can never be overlooked, with a 2015 AfroBasket title and several deep runs. Ranked sixth in Africa and 42nd worldwide, Nigeria rebounded from a 0-3 record in the first window in November and went on a 3-0 run in the second window.

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Led by coach Abdulrahman Mohamed, Nigeria will rely on the talents of Caleb Agada, Mike Nuga, and Devine Eke. Ike was a standout in the qualifiers, leading the group with 22.7 points, 8.3 rebounds, three steals, and logging 39 minutes per game.

Nigeria’s strength lies in aggressive defence, leading the group in steals with 17 per game, and consistent rotation minutes. Yet, inconsistent shooting (38.7% FG) and turnovers (17 per game) are concerns. If their offence clicks and they maintain defensive pressure, Nigeria could upset the group order and advance.

Madagascar – The Returning Challengers

After a 14-year absence, Madagascar returns with renewed determination. Ranked 19th in Africa and 105th globally, Madagascar finished qualifiers 2-4 but made waves with a big upset over Egypt in the last qualifying window.

Coached by John Douaglin, Madagascar features dynamic guard Mathias M’Madi (2022 U18 MVP), steady backcourt leader Elly Randriamampionona, and the physical presence of Sitraka Rajarimanantoanina.

Madagascar’s greatest strength is ball security, with the lowest turnovers in the group (13.3 per game) and a respectable free-throw percentage (68%). However, their scoring average (73.5 PPG), shooting efficiency (37%), and rebounding (40.3 RPG) were the lowest in the group, indicating a need to improve offensive production and interior presence. If they can develop these areas, Madagascar could surprise opponents.

M'madi AfroBasket — **Mathias M’madi will ignite Madagascar’s run in Group B.**

Key Fixtures to Watch

Tunisia vs Nigeria: A marquee clash between reigning champions and a team hungry to reclaim African basketball supremacy.

Cameroon vs Madagascar: Experience and size versus youth and resilience. It will be a good litmus test for Madagascar to see how far their fight and determination can take them.

Nigeria vs Cameroon: Likely the pivotal match for second place, testing tactical execution and composure.

Predictions

Tunisia remain the clear favourite to win Group B. Their blend of championship experience, balanced offence, and disciplined defence gives them the inside track for another unbeaten group run.

Cameroon appears most likely to join them in the knockout stages. Their strong rebounding, improving shooting, and solid guard play under Alfred Aboya’s tactical leadership position them as a formidable challenger.

Nigeria are the group’s wild card. Their talent and defensive intensity could allow them to upset the favourites, but their offensive inconsistency poses questions. With quick cohesion, they could fight for a top-two finish.

Madagascar, while an outsider, has shown grit and the capacity for surprises. Their ball security and free-throw shooting could make them a tough out, potentially influencing group standings with a timely upset.

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Indomitable Lions will bring their physicality to Olympic qualifiers

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CAMEROON could have the element of surprise on their side when they begin their FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament journey in Riga, Latvia (2-7 July). The Indomitable Lions, an unknown quantity, surprised many by getting this far, but can they go further in this year’s qualifiers?

Team Profile: Cameroon

The Indomitable Lions will be regarded by many, including their opponents and neutrals, as the underdogs of the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT). But this crop of Cameroon players will be unbothered by the tag of underdogs as they vie for a ticket to the Paris Games (26 July – 11 August).

It will be Cameroon’s second attempt at qualifying for the Games after having a dismal campaign in 2008 OQT, where the Lions could not win a single fixture.

Jeremiah Hill of Cameroon — **Cameroon’s star player Jeremiah Hill will be expected to raise the bar in the Olympic Qualifying Tournament. Pictures: FIBA**

Star Players: Cameroon will lean on the talent of naturalised point guard Jeremiah Hill, who helped the Central African nation secure their ticket in the pre-qualifiers in Nigeria last year.

Hill’s 18 points per game, three rebounds per game and 9.3 assists helped contribute to Cameroon’s unbeaten run in the pre-Olympic Qualifiers. In a recent interview with FIBA Africa, Hill said the Lions will bring their “own African style” in the qualifiers.

“It will be hard… But they are players like we are players. We will bring our own African style. We are going to have to be physical. I think that will be our biggest advantage. Hopefully, it will go well,” said Hill.

Another key player for Cameroon is Jordan Bayehe of the Italian club New Basket Brindisi, who made his presence felt for the Lions with 13.8 points per game, eight rebounds per game and 1.5 assists per game in the qualifiers.

Samir Gbetkom became a key contributor to the Lions during the pre-Olympic qualifiers with 11.5 points per game, 2.3 rebounds per game and 3.5 assists per game. Gbetkom, who plays in the French Pro-B, has made a huge leap for Cameroon since playing in the 2021 AfroBasket and 2023 FIBA World Cup qualifiers.

Coach: Alfred Aboya, a former national team player, will remember the disappointing campaign of 2008. Having helped Cameroon successfully navigate the pre-qualifier hurdle, Aboya could see these Olympic Qualifying tournaments as his shot at making amends for missing out on the Games 16 years ago.

Alfred Aboya coaching Cameroon — **Cameroon coach Alfred Aboya is familiar with the Olympic Qualifying Tournament terrain.**

Group B Match-Ups: Cameroon will face a strong Montenegro team in their opening group game and South American juggernaut Brazil, two-time World Cup winners.

The Cameroonians will have received a significant confidence boost going into the qualifiers after defeating Egypt and Georgia in friendly games. But the true test of Cameroon’s character will be in their two Group B Games.

Outlook: It would be much easier to write off the chances of Cameroon in the upcoming qualifiers because of their lack of experience, and even if their task looks impossible, this group got this far by doing the impossible.

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