In an electrifying showdown, Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, has made history by securing their first-ever spot in the Olympic quarterfinals. They achieved this milestone with a thrilling 79-70 victory over Canada in their final Group B match at the Pierre Mauroy Stadium in Lille, France, on Sunday.
The win marks a significant achievement for D’Tigress, showcasing their resilience and skill on the world stage.
Nigeria emerged as the group leaders with five classification points, awaiting the outcome of the France vs. Australia match later in the day. Under the leadership of Coach Rena Wakama, the team rebounded from a narrow loss to France after defeating Australia in their opening game.
The match against Canada was a nail-biter from the start, with both teams tied at 18-18 by the end of the first quarter. Canada managed to pull ahead slightly by halftime, leading 41-37. However, the third quarter saw a dramatic turn as D’Tigress held Canada to just five points, showcasing a defensive masterclass. They maintained their momentum into the final quarter, securing a historic 9-point victory.
This triumph not only marks a milestone for Nigerian basketball but also sets the stage for an exciting quarterfinals as D’Tigress continue their quest for Olympic glory.
