Nigeria’s female basketball team, D’Tigress, has made history by qualifying for the quarter-finals of the Olympic Basketball tournament for the very first time. In an impressive match held on Sunday, they managed to outscore Canada with a final score of 79-70, marking a significant achievement for the team and the nation.
Throughout the game, Nigeria faced challenges, particularly in the second and fourth quarters, during which they lost 23-19 and 24-19, respectively. However, the pivotal moment came in the third quarter, where Nigeria dominated with a remarkable score of 23-5, which ultimately proved to be the decisive factor in their victory. The first quarter ended in a tight contest, with both teams tying at 18 points apiece.
Ezinne Kalu was a standout player, leading the Nigerian team’s scoring efforts with an impressive total of 21 points. In addition to her remarkable scoring, Pallas Kunaiyi-Akpanah excelled in rebounding, grabbing 7 rebounds to lead that category for her team. Meanwhile, Promise Amukamara played a crucial role in facilitating the team’s offense, recording the highest number of assists in the game with a total of 6.
The victory solidifies D’Tigress’s commendable performance in the tournament, as they have now won two out of their three group games while experiencing one loss. Over the course of these games, the team scored a total of 208 points while allowing 207 points against them, showcasing their competitive spirit and resilience. This milestone not only highlights the talent of the Nigerian team but also signifies a new era of success in women’s basketball for Nigeria on an international stage.
