Historic Win: Nigeria’s D’Tigress Triumphs Over Australia at 2024 Paris Olympics

In an impressive start to their 2024 Paris Olympics journey, Nigeria’s women basketball team, D’Tigress, secured a monumental 75-62 victory over Australia’s Opals. This win, achieved at the Pierre Mauroy Stadium on Monday, July 29, marks Nigeria’s first Olympic basketball triumph in 20 years since their game in Athens in 2004.

Under the strategic guidance of coach Rena Wakama, the D’Tigress defied their 12th-place ranking to deliver a performance that exceeded all expectations. From the opening whistle, Nigeria took control, leading 18-17 after the first quarter and extending their lead to 41-28 by halftime.

Key players such as Murjanatu Musa, Ezinne Kalu and Amy Okonkwo,all played pivotal roles in the victory. Their combined efforts not only halted the Australians’ advances but also maintained Nigeria’s dominanance throughout the game. Ezinne Kalu finished the game with 19 points and five rebounds helping Nigeria to a memorable win over the third-best basketball team in the world.

Even though the Opals mounted a strong comeback effort in the third and early fourth quarters, the D’Tigress maintained their position with determination and calm.

As the D’Tigress prepare for their next Group B match against host nation France on Thursday, August 1, and a further clash with Canada on August 5, this historic win sets a high note for their journey in the tournament.

The historic win was a major achievement for Nigeria’s Olympics basketball history, as it marked the team’s first victory at the Olympics in over 20 years.