- Nigeria’s D’Tigress have been eliminated from the Paris Olympics in the quarterfinal stage by the United States
- Despite the defeat, Ezinne Kalu shone as many credited coach Rena Wakama for the historic run
- Governor Mbah of Enugu State equally applauded the valiant efforts of the women's basketball team
Following a historic run to the quarterfinals at the ongoing Paris Olympics 2024, the women’s basketball team of Nigeria, popularly known as D’Tigress, have been eliminated from the competition after losing to the United States.
The match, which took place on Thursday, August 8, ended in an 88-74 scoreline, in favour of the women’s basketball team of the United States.
Many Nigerians have sympathised with the team over their loss and encouraged them to keep their heads held high, as they did the country proud in Paris.
D’Tigress' run at Paris Olympics
The Nigerian women’s basketball team opened the tournament with a game against Australia, which ended in a victory, 75-62. This marked their first Olympic win in 20 years. However, they lost their second game to France, 75-54.
In their third game, they won 79-70, making it to the quarterfinals for the first time ever. With this win, the team became the first African basketball team, whether male or female, to reach the quarterfinals at the Olympics.
How Kalu, Wakama inspired D’Tigress to historic run
Ezinne Kalu delivered an impressive performance for D'Tigress at the Paris 2024 Olympics, guiding Nigeria to a historic place in the quarterfinals. The 32-year-old point guard contributed to D'Tigress' victories in the Afrobasket tournaments of 2017, 2019, and 2021.
Having played for several professional clubs across France, Portugal, Germany, Hungary, the women’s basketball team coach could undoubtedly count on her experience to make a difference for D’Tigress.
Ezinne boasts impressive stats as the point guard of the women’s team at the Paris Olympic games. In the summer games, Kalu averaged 18.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 2.5 steals per game, a testament to the trust placed in her by her head coach.
D’Tigress head coach Rena Wakama, while disappointed by their exit from the women’s event after losing to the United States of America’s team, remains hopeful and rather optimistic.
In her words.
“The future is bright, but we have to invest in us, we have to give these girls other resources and support for them to be able to get to the podium. We're capable of it, we have the talent,” she told Sporty TV.
“Everyone on the team is Nigerian, we didn't have to go get anybody from outside like other teams, we're all Nigerians born and raised, but we have to invest in the future, invest in sports,” she concluded.
Governor Mbah of Enugu State applauds D’Tigress
Enugu State governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, praised the women’s basketball team at the Paris Olympics for their brave performance against the USA, the most successful women’s national basketball team.
“With the final score of 88 points as against 74 points, D’Tigress bowed out in style and won the heart of the world and fans of basketball,” the governor stated.
“Today, we’re intentional and strategic in repositioning the sports sector in our state to make Enugu State a repository of Olympic medal-winning sportsmen and women."
“Once again, congratulations, D’Tigress. Hold your heads high. You have my respect, the admiration of Ndi Enugu, Nigerians, and all basketball lovers around the world,” Governor Mbah concluded.
Paris Olympics 2024: 2 finals for Nigeria as pursuit for medal continues
Previously, TheRadar reported that following the feat of three Nigerian women reaching the final of the women's long jump at the Olympics, Nigeria's chances of landing an Olympic medal in Paris have been significantly boosted. Despite finishing 9th, Ese Brume made an extraordinary leap of 6.76m, ensuring her an automatic entry into the final round. Ruth Usoro also qualified with a jump of 6.68m, while Prestina Ochonogor booked her place with an impressive leap of 6.65m.
