TUNIS (FIBA AfroBasket 2017) – Cameroon forward Benoit Mbala believes that playing as a collective whole will go a long way in helping his side overcome Nigeria in the upcoming Quarter-Final matchup at the FIBA AfroBasket 2017 on Thursday.

The Lions face their biggest test at the continental tournament when they take on the reigning champions who have been inconsistent so far squeezing their way through the Group Phase.

"We know Nigeria has experience and will want to give it everything when we clash in the Quarter-Final being the reigning champions but one thing we have always banked on is teamwork and this we will still project to give us victory," - Benoit Mbala said.

Cameroon, who settled for second place 10 years ago in Angola, are desperate to make amends and return to the high table, however, they must dig deep to achieve their objective.

In an exclusive interview with FIBA.basketball, Mbala said, "Our goal is to be among the top three in this championship and if possible surpass the second place we managed in 2007 in Angola."

"We know Nigeria has experience and will want to give it everything when we clash in the Quarter-Final being the reigning champion but one thing we have always banked on is teamwork and this we will still project to give us victory."

The 22-year old Mbala, who has averaged 18.3 points per game so far and is second on the statistics board behind Nigeria's Ike Diogu, is expected to lead his side's charge against D'Tigers. 

"It is my first time at the biggest stage of African basketball and I am delighted about the opportunity to compete with the best on the continent and will always be available to represent my country."

"African players are full of energy and very athletic compared to what I have experienced in college and this shows that the continent is full of great talents and just a little more push for Africa nations to compete favourably with basketball super powers at the world stage."

The win ratio between Cameroon and Nigeria stands at two wins and two losses apiece at the FIBA AfroBasket and with this in mind, both teams will be looking to be on the winning side come Thursday. 

The last time Cameroon made it to the Semi-Finals was in 2009 in Libya and the Lions feel this is the moment to replicate that and see what happens.

FIBA