Sports

Nigeria's female basketball team (D’Tigress) make history by reaching Olympics quarterfinals

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The victory earned D’Tigress their first-ever appearance in the quarterfinals of the Olympics basketball tournament.

Nigeria's female basketball team (D’Tigress) proceeded to the Paris 2024 Olympics quarterfinals after trouncing Canada on Sunday.

The team defeated Canada 79-70 in its final Group B game at the Pierre Mauroy Stadium in Lille, France.

The victory earned D’Tigress their first-ever appearance in the quarterfinals of the Olympic basketball tournament.

In the first quarter, both teams tied at 18 points each.

Canada won the second and fourth quarter 23-19, 24-19 respectively. However, Nigeria winning the third quarter by 23-5 ensured they sailed through.

Nigeria's Ezinne Kalu led the team in scoring with 21 points, followed by Elizabeth Balogun with 14.

D’Tigress currently sits on top of Group B, with France scheduled to play Australia later in the day.

However, they had to work hard to proceed to the quarterfinals, having already set the pace in their group by beating Australia 75-62 last Monday.

The team, coached by Rena Wakama, then suffered a setback after losing 75-64 to hosts France. Victory against Canada assured them of a knockout stage spot.

Prior to Nigeria's victory over Canada and Australia, African women's teams combined for only 1 win over 37 games in the Olympics basketball.

D’Tigress coach Rena Wakama. (Photo: Handout)D’Tigress coach Rena Wakama at the Paris 2024 Olympics (Photo: Handout)

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