In a thrilling finale to the group stage, Nigeria’s D’Tigress secured a historic 79-70 victory over Canada at the Pierre Mauroy Stadium in Lille, France, on Sunday, booking their first-ever spot in the quarter-finals of the Olympic women’s basketball tournament.
Led by Coach Rena Wakama, the team showcased remarkable resilience, bouncing back from a loss to France in their second game, following an impressive win over Australia in the opener. The Nigerians topped the group stage with five classification points, setting the tone for a promising campaign.
The match against Canada was intense, with the first quarter ending in a deadlock at 18-18. However, the Canadians edged ahead in the second quarter, taking a 41-37 lead into halftime. The tide turned dramatically in the third quarter, as D’Tigress stifled the Canadians, limiting them to just five points. Nigeria’s dominant defense and clinical offense paved the way for a decisive 9-point victory.
The team’s remarkable performance in the final quarter sealed their place in the quarter-finals, marking a milestone in Nigerian basketball history. With France set to face Australia later in the day, D’Tigress’s triumph has sent a strong message to their competitors. As they advance to the knockout stage, the team’s determination and skill will be put to the test, but their historic achievement has already made the nation proud.
