By Samuel Ogunsona
August 8, 2024
The Nigeria’s women basketball team, D’Tigress, put up a valiant fight but ultimately succumbed to the world champion, USA, as they lost 88-74 in the quarterfinals at the ongoing 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
Despite a spirited performance, Nigeria’s hopes of advancing were dashed by the Americans’ sheer talent and depth.
The D’Tigress, led by captain Amy Okonkwo, and the Coach, Rena Wakama, started strong, trailing a first quarter points of 26-17.
However, the highly anticipated matchup between Nigeria’s D’Tigress and the USA’s women’s basketball team kicked off with A’ja Wilson scoring the first basket. Promise Amukamara swiftly responded, tying the game at 2-2.
The Americans rapidly gained momentum, establishing a 10-4 lead.
Despite D’Tigress narrowing the gap to 13-8, the USA dominated the first quarter, finishing strong at 26-17.
In the second quarter, D’Tigress attempted to keep pace, reducing the deficit to 31-25.
Nevertheless, the Americans maintained their lead, winning the quarter 26-16 and stretching their advantage to 50-31 at halftime.
The third quarter proved challenging for the Nigerians, as they struggled to contain the Americans’ offense, trailing 24-15.
The D’Tigress staged a remarkable comeback in the final quarter, outscoring the USA 26-12. Unfortunately, their efforts came too late, as the Americans secured an 88-74 victory.
In spite of the defeat, the world has lauded the Nigeria team for their performances at the tournament, defeating
the number 3 world rank Australia with a remarkable score of 75-62, making it their first Olympic win in 20years.
The D’Tigress also makes Africa proud by defeating number 5 world rank champion, Canada, team in an astonishing score of 79-70, making them to proceed to the q’finals.
Some of the record set by the Nigeria team at the ongoing Olympic games in Paris includes the following; only Africa team to reach the quarterfinals, first Africa team to play at the quarter final, Best ever finish by an African team at the Olympics, male or female among others
Also, the USA, pursuing a historic 10th gold medal, demonstrated their superiority, proving too formidable for the Nigerian team.
