Nigeria’s D’Tigress coach, Rena Wakama, and point guard Ezinne Kalu have expressed optimism about the team’s desire to make a statement at the Paris 2024 Olympics women’s basketball tournament.
Wakama and Kalu expressed this optimism following the team’s historic victory against Australia, edging out the Aussies 75-62 in the Group B opener on Monday, July 29.
Also Read: Guardiola: I Want De Bruyne and Alvarez to Stay At Man City
Wakama, as reported by FIBA.com, commended her players for their resilience in overcoming the tension against the Opals, saying they stunned the world.
“I have a wave of emotions. I am so proud and excited for this group. I’ve got a lot of girls who are hungry and really shocked the world,” said the elated Wakama.
“We are tough. It’s in our DNA; it’s who we are—we don’t back down, and I just want to bring a lot of energy and passion.”
Returning Ezinne Kalu, who recorded 19 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals, noted that the team’s defense was formidable in denying the Opals from scoring.
“Our defense was relentless,” Kalu said.
“When we are on the court, we smell blood. Nobody defends quite like us, and that is what keeps us going.
“Australia came out in the second half with their veterans and an amazing coach who knows what she’s doing, but we kept our foot on the gas and kept on going.”
By Dotun Omisakin
2 Comments
The basketball team has done us proud and i want to say kudos to them for this great feat
I will describe this historic victory against the OPALS as the eight wonders of the world. No one gave the D’tigress any chance of even amassing that kind of points talk less of staging a remarkable victory. Kudos to the Rena Wakama led team. God bless you girls.