The upcoming match between Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, and host nation France in the Paris 2024 Olympics is highly anticipated after D’Tigress’ impressive performance in their first game. They secured a historic win against Australia, the world’s third-best team, with a score of 75-62 at the Pierre Mauroy Stadium, breaking a 20-year winless streak at the Olympics.
Ranked 12th globally, D’Tigress will be eager to maintain their winning momentum in the second consecutive appearance at the Paris Olympics, following their participation in the 2020 Tokyo Games. The team is poised for a tough challenge against France but remains confident after their successful start.
Coach Rena Wakama is likely to field the same starting lineup that defeated Australia, featuring standout players like Ezinne Kalu, Amy Okonkwo, Elizabeth Balogun, Pallas Kunaiyi-Akpanah, and Promise Amukamara. The team will look to Kalu and Okonkwo for leadership and inspiration, as they showcased exceptional performances in the opener.
Kalu, in particular, delivered a stellar performance with 19 points, five rebounds, and five assists against Australia. The team will rely on their frontcourt players to maintain their form and build on the momentum gained from their historic victory.
The presence of players like Murjanatu Musa and Pallas Kunaiyi Akpanah will strengthen D’Tigress under the basket, providing crucial size and power in key moments of the game. Coach Wakama has expressed the team’s determination to compete for the gold medal, setting high ambitions for their Olympic campaign.
As the tournament progresses, the knockout stages will take place at the Bercy Arena in Paris, culminating in the final on August 11. D’Tigress aims to continue their impressive run and make a strong impact in the competition, signaling their readiness to take on the challenges ahead.