Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, the D’Tigress, put up a valiant fight but ultimately lost to the nine-time champions, the United States, 88-74 in the quarterfinals of the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Despite their stellar performance in the competition, including wins over Australia and Canada, the D’Tigress were unable to overcome the superior power and experience of the United States team.
The United States dominated from the start, taking a 9-point lead in the first quarter (26-17) and extending it to 19 points at halftime (52-33). The D’Tigress fought hard in the fourth quarter, winning it 26-12, but it was too little, too late.
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Promise Amukamara led Nigeria with 19 points, just one point behind the United States’ A’ja Wilson, who scored a game-high 20 points. The United States will face Australia in the semifinals, while France takes on Belgium.
Although the D’Tigress’ Olympic journey has ended, they have made history by becoming the first African team to reach the quarterfinals in women’s basketball. Their impressive performance has earned them recognition and pride for Nigerian basketball.
