D’Tigress Secures Nigeria’s First Olympic Victory
Nigeria has secured its first win of the 2024 Paris Olympics, and it’s the nation’s women who are leading this remarkable victory. D’Tigress, Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, achieved a stunning 75-62 upset over Australia, the third-ranked team in the tournament. This triumph not only marked Nigeria’s first Olympic win since Athens 2004 but also showcased the extraordinary resilience and skill of African athletes on the world stage.
How Did D’Tigress Secure Nigeria’s First Olympic Victory
Under the guidance of Coach Rena Wakama, D’Tigress delivered a commanding performance that defied their low ranking. From the outset, Nigeria took control, winning three of the four quarters and executing a sensational 11-0 run in the first quarter to build an early 13-point lead. This impressive start was a clear signal that Nigeria was not to be underestimated. The victory was historic, as Nigeria became the first African team to defeat the Opals in 12 major tournament encounters, including the World Cup.
Nigeria’s success was particularly significant given their past Olympic struggles. The team had never previously won a pool game, with their nine previous pool matches ending in defeat. Their only previous Olympic victory came in a classification game against South Korea in 2004. Furthermore, the 62 points they allowed in this game is the fewest they have conceded in world competition, reflecting a marked improvement in their defensive play.
Offensively, D’Tigress excelled, making nine three-pointers—more than in any of their previous nine Olympic games—and achieving 15 steals, which matched their best performance in Olympic history, previously set against Greece in 2004. This defensive prowess was crucial, as Nigeria forced Australia into 26 turnovers, converting these into 26 points.
Ezinne Kalu was a standout performer, scoring a game-high 19 points and adding five rebounds and five assists. Her four three-pointers were a historic achievement, making her the first Nigerian player to accomplish this feat in an Olympic tournament. Kalu’s return to the team, after a three-year hiatus, was a significant factor in their success, demonstrating her leadership and skill on the court.
The road to this victory was fraught with challenges. The team faced several obstacles, including the unexpected withdrawal of their captain, Sarah Ogoke, due to “personal reasons.” Additionally, logistical issues complicated their experience, with the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) failing to allocate enough passes for the 88-person delegation.
As a result, the basketball team was denied entry to the country’s official float for the opening ceremony, despite a near-three-hour journey from Lille to Paris. Furthermore, Nigeria Basketball Federation president Musa Kida was denied access to visit the team, as the NOC did not provide him with a pass.
Despite these setbacks, the team’s spirit remained unbroken. Forward Amy Okonkwo reflected on the team’s perseverance: “It feels so good. We stuck together and came together in adversity. This is what it’s all about; you fight.” Kalu emphasized their defensive strength: “Our defence was relentless. When we are on the court, we smell blood. Nobody defends quite like us, and that is what keeps us going.”
Nigeria’s victory is a testament to the resilience and determination of its athletes. D’Tigress’s performance not only celebrates their talent and hard work but also sets a new benchmark for African basketball on the global stage. We hope their success sets the tone for all other Nigerians in the Olympic Games.
All images are sourced from twitter
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