Basketball fans are calling on the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) to capitalize on the remarkable performance of the senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
Despite facing tough competition from higher-ranked teams like Australia, France, and Canada in the Women’s Basketball Tournament, René Wakama’s squad defied expectations by advancing from the group stage.
D’Tigress began their campaign with a stunning 75-54 victory over Australia, marking their first Olympic win in 20 years. They then lost 75-54 to France in their second game but bounced back to defeat Canada 79-70 in their final group match, making history as the first African team (men’s or women’s) to progress beyond the group stage in Olympic basketball.
Although their journey ended in the quarterfinals at the hands of the United States, D’Tigress earned widespread admiration from fans and respect from their global competitors, celebrating their historic achievements.
The successful campaign in Paris earned René Wakama the title of Best Coach of the Women’s Basketball Tournament, and New Jersey-born point guard Ezinne Kalu, a three-time Afrobasket champion, was named to the All-Second Team of the tournament.
Basketball coach Stephen John remarked, “D’Tigress’s performance at the Olympics was outstanding and deserving of all the praise. It’s crucial for the NBBF to build on this success.”
