D’Tigress defeated Canada, making history as the first African nation to advance to the quarter-finals of the Olympics.

Nigeria’s #05 Olaoluwatomi Oluwayemisi Taiwo, Nigeria’s #03 Pallas Kunaiyi-Akpanah, Nigeria’s #22 Blessing Ejiofor and Nigeria’s #25 Adebola Adeyeye celebrate after Nigeria completed the third quarter ahead of Canada in the women’s preliminary round group B basketball match

The Nigerian women's basketball team, known as D’Tigress, achieved a remarkable milestone at the 2024 Paris Olympics by securing a place in the quarter-finals, triumphing over Canada with a score of 79-70.

This victory marked them as the first African team, regardless of gender, to reach the quarter-finals in Olympic history.

The team, which has won the Women’s Afrobasket Championship three times, faced a formidable challenge against the North American squad, ranked fifth in the world. A victory was essential for D’Tigress as they aimed to overcome their previous defeat to France.

The opening quarter was fiercely contested, ending in a tie at 18-18. However, Canada entered the second quarter with renewed energy, finishing that period with a score of 23-19 in their favor.

Coach Rena Wakama looked to Ezunne Kalu to uplift the D’Tigress, and she delivered, leading the team to a dominant third quarter, which concluded with a score of 23-5.

Despite a late resurgence from Canada in the final quarter, Nigeria maintained their nine-point advantage to secure the win.

Nigeria’s players and staff, with Nigeria’s US coach Rena Wakama (3rdR) pose as they celebrate after winning the women’s preliminary round group B basketball match between Canada and Nigeria during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at the Pierre-Mauroy stadium in Villeneuve-d’Ascq, northern France, on August 4, 2024. (Photo by Sameer AL-DOUMY / AFP)

Nigeria’s US coach Rena Wakama reacts in the women’s preliminary round group B basketball match between Canada and Nigeria during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at the Pierre-Mauroy Stadium in Villeneuve-d’Ascq, northern France, on August 4, 2024. (Photo by Sameer Al-Doumy / AFP)