Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, made Olympic history again by securing a spot in the quarterfinals of the 2024 Paris Olympics. With a thrilling 79-70 victory over Canada at the Villeneuve d’ASCQ Arena in Lille, D’Tigress became the first African basketball team, male or female, to reach the last eight in Olympic competition.
This historical win comes after the Nigerian Women’s Basketball team beat number-three-ranked Australia 75-62 in their opening game making it their first Olympic win in 20 years. The hard-fought win against the world’s fifth-ranked Canada showcased D’Tigress’ resilience and determination.
Despite winning only one quarter, it proved decisive in their path to victory. The game began with an 18-18 tie in the first quarter, followed by a 23-19 Canadian advantage in the second. However, D’Tigress dominated the third quarter with an impressive 23-5 run, ultimately sealing their triumph despite a late Canadian surge in the fourth quarter.
Coach Rena Wakama’s starting lineup of Pallas Kunaiyi-Akpanah, Elizabeth Balogun, Promise Amukamara, Amy Okonkwo, and Ezinne Kalu proved effective. Ezinne Kalu emerged as the standout performer, contributing 21 points along with three assists and three rebounds. Her total of 58 points, ten rebounds, and nine assists across three matches has been crucial to the team’s success in Paris.
Other key contributors included Elizabeth Balogun with 14 points, Promise Amukamara adding 12 points with six assists and five steals, and team captain Amy Okonkwo scoring eight points. Pallas Kunaiyi-Akpanah led the rebounding effort with seven before fouling out in the fourth quarter.
The victory aligns with Coach Wakama’s ambitious vision for the team. Following their earlier win against Australia, she had stated, “I didn’t come here only to win one game; I came here to get on the podium.” This win brings D’Tigress two steps closer to that goal.
The historic achievement sets up a quarterfinal clash with the reigning champions, Team USA, scheduled for Wednesday, August 7.
