Nigeria’s D’Tigress Defeats Australia To Secure First Olympic Win In 20 Years

Nigeria’s D’Tigress have kicked off their Paris 2024 Olympics campaign with a bang, defeating world number three Australia in the women’s basketball event.

The Nigerian team won the game 75-62 on Monday in Lille, France.

The D’Tigress ended the first half with an 11-0 run, giving them a 13-point lead. This score was enough to keep Australia at bay, especially with Amy Okonkwo hitting a crucial three-pointer.

Ezinne Kalu was a standout for Nigeria, scoring 19 points, grabbing five rebounds, and contributing three assists and three steals. This was her first game back with the team since the Tokyo 2020 Games.

Australia struggled with ball control, turning it over 26 times, which led to Nigeria scoring 26 points from those turnovers.

This win marks Nigeria’s second victory in the Women’s Olympic Basketball tournament, their first being a 68-64 win over South Korea in 2004.

It’s also the D’Tigress’ first win in nine preliminary rounds.

Australia has now lost their opening game in the Women’s Olympic Basketball event for the second consecutive time. Before this streak, they had won their previous six opening games.

Nigeria is the first African country to defeat Australia in 12 games at both the World Cup and Olympics.

Biggest upset of the Olympics so far? 🤯

Nigeria 🇳🇬 take down Australia 🇦🇺 for a massive #Paris2024 debut! #Basketball pic.twitter.com/i1FAgY66qW

— FIBA (@FIBA) July 29, 2024

ROAAAAAR!!!! pic.twitter.com/wl36xA5cTg

— DTigress (@DtigressNG) July 29, 2024

KanyiDaily had also reported that Nigerian boxer, Cynthia Ogunsemilore was suspended from the 2024 Paris Olympics for violating anti-doping rules.