Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, is eager to maintain their impressive momentum at the Paris 2024 Olympics as they prepare to face the host nation, France, in their second Group B match today, as reported by The PUNCH.
Ranked 12th globally, the African champions delivered a stellar performance at the Pierre Mauroy Stadium, defeating Australia, the world’s third-ranked team, 75-62 in their opening game. This victory marked the end of 20 years winless streak at the Olympics for Nigeria.
Today’s clash promises to be a tough contest, but nigeria’s, energized by their initial success, are ready to tackle the challenge head-on. Making their second consecutive appearance in Paris, following the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, they are determined to achieve their first-ever back-to-back win at the Games.
Head coach Rena Wakama is expected to field the same starting lineup that triumphed over Australia, featuring point guard Ezinne Kalu, the 2023 Afrobasket MVP, team captain Amy Okonkwo, Promise Amukamara, Pallas Kunaiyi-Akpanah, and Elizabeth Balogun.
Both Okonkwo and Kalu, who excelled in the opener, will be crucial for Nigeria’s success. Kalu notably contributed 19 points, five rebounds, and five assists.
The team’s strength is bolstered by Murjanatu Musa’s imposing presence and Pallas Kunaiyi-Akpanah’s contributions under the basket. Following their victory, Wakama has boldly declared their ambition to secure gold. “We’ve come a long way, and we’re not stopping for anybody,” she stated.
“This victory is just the beginning. We respect all our opponents, but we fear none. Our sights are set on gold, and we will fight for it with everything we have.” The knockout stages will take place at the Bercy Arena in Paris, with the final scheduled for August 11.
