D’Tigress Records Historic Olympic Win Against Canada

The Nigeria women’s senior basketball team D’Tigress has advanced into the quarterfinals of the women’s basketball event at the Olympics for the first time after a hard-fought 70-79 point win against Canada in their last group game on Sunday at the Pierre Mauroy Stadium in Lille.

Canada went into the game as favourites ranked 5^th in the Olympic power rankings against a Nigerian side ranked 12^th.

A tough first quarter saw the game tied at 18-18 points for both sides, but Canada finished the first half with the lead after winning 23-19 in the second quarter to take a 41-37 point lead.

Nigeria’s Ezinne Kalu inspired her side to take the lead in the second half after winning the third quarter 23-5 to register a 60-46 point lead.

The Rena Wakama-tutored Nigerian team would hold on to the lead and win the game by 79-70 points after loosing the fourth quarter by 24-19 points.

Prior to the start of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, Nigeria had not won a match at the Olympics in 20 years and was the least ranked in a Group B that contains hosts France, Canada (5th), and 3^rd-ranked Australia.

Related: Cristiano Ronaldo Set To Visit Nigeria

A spirited performance saw Nigeria shock Australia with a 75-62 point win in their first group game before loosing by 75-54 points against France.

Wakama’s ladies knew they needed to replicate their performance against Australia in their last group game and did not fail to make history against the Canadians.

Nigeria is yet to win a medal at the 2024 Olympics and would be banking on the D’Tigress for a top three finish.