Nigeria’s women basketballers, D’Tigress have made history at the Paris 2024 becoming the first African team (male or female) to reach the quarterfinals of any Olympic Games.
The back-to-back Afrobasket champions shocked Canada 79-70 in Lille, France to achieve this feat of ticket to the last eight.
Nigeria tied 18-18 in the first quarter, lost the second by just four points 23-19, won the third with as much as 18 points and lost the fourth quarter with mere five points (18-18, 23-19, 5-23 and 24-19).
Also winning two games for the first time at the Olympics, the manner of the victory was also impressive.
Expectedly, it was the usual suspect, Ezinne Kalu, who played a huge influential role in the victory, pulling the strings in the backcourt.
The playmaker registered 21 points, while Elizabeth Balogun chose a great time to have her best game in memory as she stepped up with 14 points, three rebounds and three assists.
D’Tigress were ruthless in punishing Canadian errors with an incredible 27 points from turnovers.
Now assured of taking part in the quarterfinals of the Olympic tournament, Nigeria became the first team from Africa to reach that stage, having won two of their three games.
Photo: NAN