The Nigerian women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, made an impressive start to their campaign for the 2024 Paris Olympics by securing a notable victory against the world’s third-ranked team, Australia, in the women’s basketball event of the Games.
The Nigerian team emerged victorious in the basketball
encounter held on Monday in the French city of Lille, with a final score of
75-62.
The D’Tigress demonstrated their prowess by executing an
impressive 11-0 run towards the end of the first half, which resulted in a
significant 13-point advantage.
This advantage proved crucial in maintaining their lead over
the Australian team, known as the Opals. Notably, Amy Okonkwo contributed a
crucial three-pointer, further solidifying the team’s position under the
guidance of coach Rena Wakama.
During the game, Nigeria’s Ezinne Kalu demonstrated
exceptional performance, contributing 19 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3
steals. This marked her triumphant return to the team since her participation
in the Tokyo 2020 Games.
Regrettably, the Opals experienced a significant number of
turnovers, totaling 26, which resulted in Nigeria capitalizing on these errors
and accumulating an impressive 26 points.
Nigeria achieved its second triumph in the Women’s Olympic
Basketball tournament on Monday. Their maiden victory in nine preliminary
rounds, following their initial success in 2004 against South Korea with a
score of 68-64.
Regrettably, Australia experienced its second consecutive
defeat in the opening game of a Women’s Olympic Basketball event. Despite their
previous six consecutive victories, they were unable to secure a win this time.
Nigeria has now become the first African nation to secure a
victory against Australia in 12 matches at the World Cup and Olympics.