Historic Victory: D’Tigress Secure Quarter-Final Spot by Stunning Canada
Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, achieved a historic milestone by advancing to the quarter-finals of the basketball event at the Paris Olympic Games.
The African champions defeated fifth-ranked Canada 79-70 in their final Group B game on Sunday in Paris.
Under the guidance of coach Rena Wakama, D’Tigress won just one of the four quarters, beginning with an 18-18 draw in the first quarter. Canada led the second quarter 23-19, but D’Tigress made a remarkable comeback in the third quarter with a 23-5 win. Despite a 24-19 loss in the final quarter, D’Tigress secured the overall victory.
Ezinne Kalu was the standout performer with 21 points, three rebounds, and two assists. Canada’s Colley followed with 17 points, one rebound, and one assist.
D’Tigress topped Group B with five points, surpassing France, which has four points and an upcoming match against Australia. The winner of the France-Australia game will join Nigeria in the quarter-finals.
D’Tigress’ journey has been marked by significant victories, including a 75-62 win against FIBA’s third-ranked Australia, and a challenging 75-54 loss to host France in their second game.
Coach Wakama, who previously made history as the first woman to win the Afrobasket title, continues to etch her name in basketball history with this latest achievement.
