Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, outclassed Australia with a 13-point margin, 75-62, in their Paris 2024 Olympics women’s basketball Group B opener on Monday, July 29, securing their first win of the campaign, Completesports.com reports.
The last time D’Tigress won was when they defeated South Korea 68-64 in the classification game of Athens 2004 Olympics.
Also Read: Nigeria’s D’Tigress Target First Olympic Win in 20 Years At Paris 2024
Despite being ranked 12th in the world, coach Rena Wakama’s side proved critics wrong. They started strong, edging the 3rd-ranked Australia 18-17 in the first quarter and then extending their lead to 41-28 before halftime.
Although the Opals rallied to close the deficit in the third quarter, D’Tigress maintained their lead at 51-47. The fourth quarter saw the dominance of the Nigerian team, who finished with a score of 75-62.
Nigeria’s Ezinne Kalu scored 19 points, while the Opals’ Alanna Smith scored 15 points.
D’Tigress’ victory marked the end of their losing streak since they began competing in the Olympics in 2004.
During their outing at the Athens 2004 Olympics, they suffered losses in all five of their group matches against Australia, Japan, Greece, Brazil, and Russia but managed to win one against South Korea, becoming the first African team to triumph in a match at the global multi-sport showcase.
By Dotun Omisakin
Photos credit: FIBA.com
3 Comments
Thank God we now gat something to hold on to…
Medal on the way…
Make we leave with something atleast.
For the first time in this Olympics my daughter was proud being a Nigerian because we were up waiting for this miracle to happen. CS once again I take back my words because I didn’t see this coming. Promise Kamara, Ezinne Kalu, Amy Okonkwo and the rest didn’t back down as they outplayed a much fancied Australian side. Oh my good and Musa was a torn of flesh making endless steals on the defensive side. If we can get a result against host nation France then I believe we can be called medal hopeful. Many thanks to God because it finally felt good being a Nigerian today.
Really impressed by that lady Musa.
Man o man! Her defense na ONE IN TOWN.
And with accomplished 3 point shooters like Ezinne Kalu and Amy Okonkwo, this team is dangerous.
Is a basketball olympic medal smelling? Sniff, sniff, sniff! Hmmm, if the continue playing the way they played the Aussies, we just might be in for a pleasant surprise!
Liz cambage, how market?