Nigeria’s D’Tigress made Olympic history by becoming the first African team to advance past the group stage of the Women’s Basketball Tournament at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, securing a notable victory over Canada with a score of 79-70.
This victory is a groundbreaking achievement as D’Tigress etched their name in Olympic history in their decisive final group match.
This win not only marked their progression to the Quarter-Finals but also set a historic milestone for African basketball teams.
The game was highlighted by a remarkable turnaround in the second half, where Nigeria launched an impressive 11-0 run, leaving Canada reeling and unable to recover.
Ezinne Kalu played a pivotal role, controlling the backcourt with her strategic playmaking and contributing significantly to the victory.
She finished with 21 points, while Elizabeth Balogun showcased her skills with a personal best performance, tallying 14 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists.
Nigeria capitalized on Canadian errors, scoring an impressive 27 points off turnovers.
Their strong defensive play, reminiscent of their earlier performances, was a key factor in their success, especially after a tough match against France.
With their physical prowess and tactical acumen, Nigeria is now a formidable contender in the tournament.
Their upcoming Quarter-Final opponents will face a significant challenge as the D’Tigress continue to make history on the global stage.
