African champions D’Tigress, the Nigerian national basketball team, started their Paris Olympic Games campaign on a winning note by defeating the highly-fancied Australian team 75-62. This victory marks only their second win ever at the Olympic Games and stands as a testament to their resilience and skill.
First Quarter: A Rocky Start
The game began with Australia taking an early lead, showcasing their prowess and experience. At one point, Australia led by as much as 8 points, with Nigeria struggling to find their rhythm. The first quarter ended with Australia ahead, but D’Tigress showed glimpses of their potential, trailing 15-17. Ezinne Kalu started to make her presence felt, hitting a deep 3-pointer to bring the team within 2 points.
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Second Quarter: The Turnaround
As the second quarter unfolded, Nigeria began to claw back into the game. Ezinne Kalu continued her impressive performance, driving the offense with precision. A pivotal moment came when Kalu made a spectacular 3-point shot, drew a foul, and converted the free throw for a rare 4-point play. This play not only energized her team but also demoralized the Australian defense. By halftime, Nigeria had turned the tide, leading 41-28. This remarkable turnaround was characterized by improved defensive play and efficient scoring.
Third Quarter: Holding the Line
Australia came out strong in the third quarter, determined to close the gap. They went on a 12-4 run, narrowing Nigeria’s lead to just 5 points. Nigeria struggled with their outside shots during this period, allowing Australia to gain momentum. However, the D’Tigress defense held firm, with Nicole Enabosi making a crucial turnaround shot and key free throws to maintain their lead. The third quarter ended with Nigeria holding a narrow 49-44 lead, setting the stage for a tense final quarter.
Fourth Quarter: Sealing the Victory
In the fourth quarter, D’Tigress displayed incredible poise and determination. Ezinne Kalu continued to lead the charge, ultimately finishing with a game-high 17 points. Her leadership on the court was pivotal, as she orchestrated the offense and made critical plays. The team’s defense also stepped up, preventing Australia from making any significant runs. Nigeria extended their lead, and by the final buzzer, they had secured a 75-62 victory.
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Social Media Buzz and Reactions
The official FIBA Twitter account highlighted the significance of this victory, dubbing it the “biggest upset of the Olympics so far.” The tweet praised D’Tigress for their exceptional performance and their ability to take down a basketball powerhouse like Australia.
Other Nigerian Olympic News
While D’Tigress celebrated their historic win, other Nigerian athletes faced challenges. In table tennis, Team Nigeria’s campaign ended following Fatimo Bello’s Round 4-0 defeat to French player Nan Jia Yuan in the Round of 64. As a first-time Olympian, Bello will gain valuable experience from her participation in Paris.
In football, the Super Falcons faced back-to-back defeats, losing 1-0 to Spain in their second match after an earlier loss to Brazil. These results highlight the struggles of Team Nigeria in other Olympic events.
Looking Ahead
The victory by D’Tigress provides a significant boost for Team Nigeria at the Paris Olympics. Their historic win against Australia will serve as motivation for all Nigerian athletes competing in the Games. This triumph is a testament to the hard work, talent, and determination of the Nigerian basketball team and promises an exciting journey ahead in the tournament.
As the Paris 2024 Olympics continue, all eyes will be on D’Tigress to see if they can maintain their momentum and achieve further success. Stay tuned for more updates on Team Nigeria’s journey. #TeamNigeria #Paris2024 #DTigress #Basketball #Olympics