D'Tigress Fall Short Against US in 74-88 Loss

Nigeria's senior women's basketball team, D'Tigress, in a valiant effort concluded their journey at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games with a commendable performance despite a 74-88 defeat to the United States in the quarterfinals.

The game, held on Wednesday at the Bercy Arena, saw the Nigerian team, known for their physical play, initially keeping pace with the formidable U.S. squad.

The U.S. women’s team, extending their Olympic win streak to 58 games, showcased their dominance with victories against Japan (102-76), Belgium (87-74), and Germany (87-68) during group play.

The American roster boasted stars like A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and Diana Taurasi, making them a powerhouse in the competition.

D'Tigress, under the guidance of coach Rena Wakama, started strong, trailing by just nine points at the end of the first quarter.

However, the gap widened to 19 points by halftime. Despite the challenging scoreline, the Nigerian team displayed resilience, particularly in the final quarter where they outscored the Americans 26-12, earning admiration from fans worldwide.

The match was not a repeat of the USA's 56-point victory over Nigeria in the February qualifiers in Belgium.

Instead, it highlighted the growth and determination of the Nigerian team, who had already made history by reaching the Olympic quarterfinals for the first time.

Their journey included a notable win over Canada and a defensive masterclass against Australia, forcing numerous turnovers and steals.