The Nigerian women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, achieved a historic victory over the Australian Opals in their opening match at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Under the guidance of coach Rena Wakama, the team delivered an impressive performance, winning 75-62 at the Pierre Mauroy Stadium on Monday. This marks Nigeria’s first Olympic win since the Athens Games in 2004.
The D’Tigress capitalized on Australian turnovers, showcasing their defensive prowess and taking control of the game in front of a large crowd in Lille. They finished the first half with a remarkable 11-0 run, establishing a 13-point lead as they headed into the locker room.
Although the Australians narrowed the gap to a single shot in the final quarter, Nigerian player Amy Okonkwo calmed the team’s nerves with a crucial three-pointer, helping them regain momentum. While the entire team contributed to this memorable victory, Ezinne Kalu stood out with a stellar performance, scoring 19 points, along with 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals. This was her first appearance for Nigeria since the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
Australia struggled throughout the game, committing an astonishing 26 turnovers that resulted in 26 points for Nigeria. This defensive advantage was particularly evident in the first half, where Nigeria capitalized on the Australian mistakes effectively.
Despite a slow start, Nigeria’s defense was impressive, and with this victory, they have positioned themselves as a formidable contender in Group B. The win is a significant boost for African basketball on the Olympic stage. In contrast, Australia appeared disorganized and failed to handle the pressure, ultimately squandering their chances for victory.
Both teams will return to the court on Tuesday, with Nigeria looking to build on their success and Australia aiming to regroup against Puerto Rico.
HISTORICAL.
AdvertisementNigeria 🇳🇬 D’Tigress win their first Olympic game in 20 years at #Paris2024 🔥#Basketball pic.twitter.com/8yRXUo4Mai
— FIBA (@FIBA) July 29, 2024
