Nigeria D’Tigress shock Australia in first Olympic win in 20 years

At the Paris Olympics, the women's basketball team D'Tigress of Nigeria defeated the Opals of Australia 75–62.

 

The Rena Wakama-coached squad managed to stave off the Australians' late comeback at Monday's Pierre Mauroy Stadium thanks to a crucial effort by point guard Ezinne Kalu.

 

This was Nigeria's first Olympic gold medal since 2004 in Athens.

 

With 19 points and five rebounds, Kalu led Nigeria to a historic victory against the world's third-best squad.

 

Australia wasted no time getting on the board and dominated the first few minutes of the match against the Nigerian women.

 

The Opals jumped off to an early 13-5 lead, thanks to the early assaults of Jade Melbourne and Ezi Magbegor.

 

D'Tigress, on the other hand, had a spectacular Kalu at the head of their lines as they reacted, making it their second consecutive Summer Games appearance.

 

Kalu scored 11 points, including three three-pointers, to put them up 18-17 at the end of the first quarter.

 

Even in the second half, Kalu was the one calling the plays. Amy Okonkwo and Elizabeth Balogun exacerbated the Opals' problems, as the D'Tigresses took a surprising 41-28 lead into halftime.

 

The Australian team's shocking 16 turnovers were a significant factor in the final score. Nigeria managed only eight goals in the first half as a counterpoint.

 

A committed second-half performance was required of the five-time Olympic medalist Opals. The Opals, spearheaded by Alanna Smith, methodically whittled away at the advantage despite the Nigerian players' determined defense.

 

With a four-point lead going into the fourth quarter, the Australians had clawed their way back into the basketball game.

 

Things became nerve-wracking in the fourth quarter. With over six minutes remaining, the Opals were down two goals until a terrible run of play befell them.

 

Nigeria's Promise Amukamara converted free throws, while Smith—who had been outstanding for her team—missed two. The defending four-time African champions went ahead seven points when Promise set up Okonkwo for a three-pointer.

 

With the lead, Nigeria could control the game and easily win.

 

The D'Tigress will take on hosts France in Thursday's Group B encounter. On Monday, they'll face Canada, the current world number five.

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