Rarely do you see a team shown so much love in a sporting loss like D’Tigress were at the Bercy Arena in Paris last night. The crowd gave Rena Wakama and her gutsy girls a standing ovation after the match and the Media from across the world couldn’t have enough of them after.
The Americans were the obvious favourites and pretty much cruised through the first 3 quarters and at a point threatened to blow out the Nigerians with a 30 point lead.
The 4th quarter though epitomised the passion and competitiveness D’Tigress have shown in this tournament.
Defiance, Aggression, Attitude.
They kept the US team at bay, winning the quarter by a score of 26-12 for a final score of 88-74.
Also Read – Paris 2024: We’ll Remember D’Tigress Impressive Performance For Long Time -FIBA
At the end, the packed venue rose in appreciation of what the Nigerian Ladies have brought to the tournament and the Media Interviews showed how much regard and respect D’Tigress now command in the world of international Basketball and the latest FIBA rankings just released put Nigeria at number 8. Elite company indeed
Elsewhere, Tobi Amusan broke little sweat in reaching the Semi-Finals of the Women’s 100m Hurdles, winning Heat 1 with a fast 12.49 seconds time. She remains Nigeria’s brightest hope of a Medal finish.
Impressive youngster Samuel Ogazi placed 7th in the Men’s 400m Final but has shown enough potential in the event for future success. Ella Onojuvwevwo, Women’s 400m and Udodi Onwuzuruike, Men’s 200m faltered in the Semi-Finals stage, same as Ezekiel Nathaniel in the 400m Hurdles Semi-Finals. Edose Ibadin has to go the Repechage route in Men’s 800 metres after falling to qualify directly.
In others Sports, Christianah Ogunsanya lost her first round bout in the 53kg class Women’s Freestyle Wrestling while Ese Ukpeseraye had to settle for the Repechage in Women’s Keirin cycling.
Also Read: Waldrum Keen To Remain In Charge Of Super Falcons
Highlight for Team Nigeria today at the Games will be the Women’s Long Jump Final with the trio of Ruth Usoro, Prestina Ochonogor and Olympic Bronze Medallist Ese Brume lining up. Nigeria’s 4 by 100m Men and Women Relay teams will also take to the tracks in Round 1.
Odunayo Adekuruoye will hope to put the disappointment of Tokyo 2020 behind as she begins her campaign in Women’s 57kg Freestyle Wrestling while Rafiatu Lawal competes in Weightlifting Women’s 59kg class.
Also today there’s Canoeing Singles Women with Ayomide Bello and Beauty Otuedo in action.
Maybe today is the day…….
By Deji Omotoyinbo, in Paris
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