Cameroon Creates History with Victory in FIBA Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament

Cameroon’s national men’s basketball team has made history by securing their first-ever continental-level championship.

At the FIBA Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament held in Lagos, Nigeria, Cameroon emerged triumphant with an 80-74 victory over Senegal in a tense final.

The monumental win propels Cameroon towards the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments, slated for early next year. This marks their chance to vie for a coveted spot in the 2024 Games set to unfold in Paris.

The scene at the Eko Hotel and Suites was charged with anticipation as both teams battled fiercely. With caution characterizing the first quarter, the score was deadlocked at 25-25.

However, it was Cameroon’s turn to shine in the second quarter. Their unstoppable point guards drove them to seize control of the game, allowing them to clinch the quarter with a commanding 47-33 lead.

Post-break, the Cameroonians maintained their dominance, setting the pace in the third quarter with a score of 62-54. The high-stakes finale concluded with a hard-fought 80-74 win, securing Cameroon’s passage to the final leg of the Olympics qualifiers, scheduled for the upcoming year.

Hosted by Nigeria, the qualifiers saw the participation of Mali, Guinea, Tunisia, Senegal, and Cameroon, showcasing intense competition. Despite the last-minute withdrawals of DR Congo and Uganda, the determination of the competing teams left an indelible mark on the journey to Paris 2024.