Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, will hope to continue their fine form at the Paris 2024 Olympics when they take on hosts France in their second Group B game on Thursday (today), The PUNCH reports.
The African champions, who are ranked 12th in the world, put on a great display at the Pierre Mauroy Stadium to beat the world’s third-best team Australia 75-62 in their opening game, ending their 20 years without a win at the Olympics.
Thursday’s game is expected to be fiercely contested, but the Nigerian team, buoyed by their opening victory, appear ready for the challenge.
The African champions, who are making their second consecutive appearance in Paris, having participated in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, will be looking to land another surprise blow and claim their first-ever successive win at the event.
D’Tigress head coach Rena Wakama will most likely start with the quintet that defeated the Opals on Monday, with returning point guard Ezinne Kalu, 2023 Afrobasket MVP, team captain Amy Okonkwo, Elizabeth Balogun, Pallas Kunaiyi-Akpanah, and Promise Amukamara all putting on a great display in their opening game.
Once again, Nigeria will be banking on terrific Okonkwo and Kalu for inspiration after both put up an impressive display in the opener against Australia.
Kalu brought in her A-game to bag 19 points, five rebounds, and five assists in the game.
If both players can turn up the dial in the frontcourt, then that will be massive, especially since D’Tigress have received a huge boost with their historic victory on Monday.
There will be further strength under the basket in the shape of Murjanatu Musa, whose size and power will be vital, as will that of Pallas Kunaiyi Akpanah.
Speaking after the game against Australia, Wakama sent a clear message to their rivals, saying they were in Paris to win.
“We’ve come a long way, and we’re not stopping for anybody”, Wakama said.
“This victory is just the beginning. We respect all our opponents, but we fear none. Our sights are set on the gold, and we will fight for it with everything we have”.
The knockout stage of the games will be held at the Bercy Arena in Paris, with the final scheduled for 11 August.
