By Akinwale Kasali
Nigerians from all walks of life have showered encomiums and accolades on the gallant Nigeria Senior Female Basketball Team, D’Tigress for the superlative performance at the ongoing Paris 2024 Olympics, despite bowing out of the tournament with a loss to the United States of America.
The Coach Rene Wakama side proved its mettle as a force to be reckoned with in its quarter-finals defeat by powerhouse, USA. The US team defeated the Nigerian girls by 88-74 points.
The Nigerian national side made history as the first African Team, both Male and Female to make it to the Quarter Finals of the world howpiece.
The Nigerian women made history after beating fifth ranked Canada to reach the quarter-finals, the feat which no African team has ever achieved in an Olympic tournament, seeing them becoming the beautiful bride of Africa.
In their Quarter Final match against World Power, USA, the US ladies won three of the quarters to storm into the semi-finals of the Olympics, while D’Tigress won the last quarter 26-12.
For much of the first half, though, the game was tighter than Team USA perhaps would have liked.
Through the first quarter, Nigeria’s formidable defense kept the score close, but shortly before halftime, the United States broke away but Nigeria were right there.
The US, which was composed of WNBA players, increased their lead in the second half and, at one point, almost doubled Nigeria’s score on the scoreboard. Nigeria, though, has always kept it near.
For much of the first half, though, the game was tighter than Team USA perhaps would have liked.
Through the first quarter, Nigeria’s formidable defense kept the score close, but shortly before halftime, the United States broke away but Nigeria were right there.
The US, which was composed of WNBA players, increased their lead in the second half and, at one point, almost doubled Nigeria’s score on the scoreboard. Nigeria, though, has always kept it near.
Nigeria exited the competition as basketball greats, but the USA carried on with their relentless pursuit of yet another triumphant title defense.
The USA simply used their skill and better depth to progressively move ahead more and more. It took a late spurt of points from Nigeria to bring the advantage down to a more reasonable level.
Nigeria has been amazing, captivating the hearts of basketball fans not only in Africa but also worldwide as underdogs and achieving historic and unheard-of triumph.
President Bola Tinubu had earlier congratulated Nigeria’s D’Tigress on qualifying for the quarter-final of the women’s basketball at the 2024 Paris Olympics, having beaten Canada 79-70 to move to the quarter final stage.
The President according to a statement by his Special Adviser, Media & Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, commended the team for their uncommon demonstration of resilience, teamwork, and diligence.
“President Tinubu also commends the coach and managers of the team for their dutifulness and dedication. The President enjoins the brave Tigress not to rest on their oars until the final victory is won.
“President Tinubu assures the team and the entire Nigerian contingent at the 2024 Olympics of his support as they fly the nation’s flag at the global sports event,” the statement said.
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