Nigeria’s D’Tigress have made a remarkable start to their Paris 2024 Olympics campaign by defeating the world’s number three ranked team, Australia, in their opening women’s basketball match. The Nigerian team won the game 75-62, marking a significant upset in the tournament.
The match took place on Monday in Lille, France, and was notable for the D’Tigress’s impressive performance. They ended the first half with an 11-0 run, which gave them a 13-point lead. This strong finish to the half proved crucial in maintaining their advantage throughout the game. Amy Okonkwo contributed significantly with a crucial three-pointer, helping secure the win for coach Rena Wakama’s team.
Ezinne Kalu, who made her return to the team after the Tokyo 2020 Games, played a pivotal role in the victory. She scored 19 points, grabbed five rebounds, and provided three assists and three steals. Her standout performance was instrumental in the team’s success.
Australia struggled with ball control, committing 26 turnovers that allowed Nigeria to score 26 points off these mistakes. This defeat is notable for Australia, as it marks their second consecutive loss in the opening game of a Women’s Olympic Basketball event. Prior to this, they had won their last six games in the tournament.
This victory is especially significant for Nigeria as it is their second win in the Women’s Olympic Basketball tournament. Their first win came in 2004 when they defeated South Korea 68-64. Additionally, this is the first time Nigeria has beaten Australia in their 12 encounters at the World Cup and Olympics.
The D’Tigress’s win is not just a milestone for the team but also a historic achievement for African basketball, highlighting their growing presence on the global stage.
