Nigeria’s women’s national basketball team, D’Tigress, and the USA are set to compete once again at the Olympics as they clash in the quarterfinal of the Paris 2024 Women’s Basketball Event today, Wednesday, August 7.
The quarterfinal game marks a rematch between the two countries after they met in the Group B stage during the last international multi-sports showpiece, Tokyo 2020, which was won by the USA. They defeated Nigeria 81-72.
Prior to the knockout stage, D’Tigress posted impressive performances with stunning victories against Australia and Canada but lost to France, ending their Group B stage matches with a 2-1 record.
D’Tigress’ victories serve as a testament to their passion and resilience, making history as the first African basketball team (men and women) to reach the quarterfinal stage.
Ahead of the quarterfinal clash against the USA, the Rena Wakama-led team will seek revenge, leveraging their defensive prowess, steals, and turnover tactics to meet the challenge.
D’Tigress boasts a blend of experienced and young talents, with the weight of the medal hunt largely falling on point guards Ezinne Kalu and Promise Amukamara.
Kalu, who tops the country’s scorers’ chart, has recorded 58 points in this tournament. She scored 18 points against Australia, 19 points in Nigeria’s loss to France, and 21 points in the clash against Canada.
Amy Okonkwo and Murjanatu Musa will lead the way forward, hoping to score crucial points.
