Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, the D’Tigress, has broken history in the 2024 Paris Olympics after defeating Australia 75-62 in their opening game.
The heroic feat marks their first-ever win in the group stages at the Olympics and set them on a path to potentially securing a medal.
The team’s determination showed despite a rough start, including a parade boat mishap.
Ezinne Kalu led the team with 19 points, five rebounds and five assists, while Amy Okonkwo made crucial shots to secure the win.
This win is Nigeria’s second in the Women’s Olympic Basketball tournament, with the first being in 2004 against South Korea. The D’Tigress is also the first African team to defeat Australia in 12 games at the World Cup and Olympics.
They will meet France and Canada later on August 4. A win in either game will secure their spot in the knockout rounds.
The D’Tigress and South Sudan’s men’s team are the only African nations competing in basketball at the tournament, making their victories a historic moment for African basketball.
Nigeria expects wins from other teams and athletes in various sports, including athletics, wrestling, table tennis, boxing, canoeing, and cycling.
The teams and athletes have been training hard and are expected to make Nigeria proud at the Olympics.
Apart from the D’Tigress, Nigeria is also targeting wins from other teams and athletes in various sports at the global event.
Some of the teams and athletes include:
Athletics: Nigeria’s athletics team, including stars like Tobi Amusan, Ese Brume, and Divine Oduduru, are expected to perform well in events like the 100m hurdles, long jump, and sprint races.
Wrestling: Nigeria’s wrestling team, including Odunayo Adekuoroye and Blessing Oborududu are expected to win medals in their respective weight categories.
Table Tennis: Nigeria’s table tennis teams, including Aruna Quadri and Olajide Omotayo, are expected to perform well in the singles and team events.
Boxing: Nigeria’s boxing team, including Rufus Nwadike and Cynthia Ogunsemilore are expected to win medals in their respective weight categories.
Canoeing: Nigeria’s canoeing team, including Ayomide Bello and Ufuoma Otobo, are expected to perform well in the sprint and slalom events.
Cycling: Nigeria’s cycling team, including Ese Ukpeseraye and Tobiloba Oluwadare are expected to perform well in the track and road events.
The D’Tigress will face a strong French team with experience, height, balanced shooting, strong defence, experienced coaching, home crowd and support.
To beat France, they must prepare well, exploit weaknesses, play to their strengths and show resilience and determination. With proper preparation and strategy, the D’Tigress can come out on top.
