Paris 2024: Nigeria seek a shock against the USA
Nigeria face the United States on Wednesday in the quarter-finals of the women's basketball tournament at the 2024 Olympic Games
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Whatever happens on 7 August, Nigeria's women's team have already made history in African basketball at these Olympic Games. By reaching the quarter-finals for the first time, the D'Tigress have done what no other nation on the continent had managed, breaking through a glass ceiling. It is a performance that highlights the progress made by a side competing at their 3rd Olympics.
This success is the result of years of hard graft and the development of women's basketball across the continent. The D'Tigress have established themselves as a formidable team, despite the difficulties they have had to overcome. The side, led by head coach Rene Wakama, have drawn on a mix of home-based talent and players based abroad.
Australia and Canada swept aside
They opened with a sensational first win, 75-62 against Australia in their opening game, which was also their first Olympic victory since 2004. Beaten next by France, the Nigerians bounced back to secure another convincing win over Canada,
79-70, which sealed their place in the quarter-finals. Those three games showcased the D'Tigress' team ethic as well as their solid defence.
Behind that success is head coach Rene Wakama, the first woman to coach the team. She has been able to lean on a few standout players, such as Ezinne Kalu, a key figure in driving the attack. On defence, Amy Okonkwo has proved to be a mainstay, helping to shut down plenty of opposition attacks. Elizabeth Balogun also emerged during the group stage, making decisive contributions at key moments. They will need every one of those assets when they take on the USA.
The American mountain
Ahead of this showdown, the Nigerians are well aware of the scale of the challenge awaiting them. The Americans, the reigning Olympic champions, dominate women's basketball worldwide and are strong favourites for the gold medal. With an armada of WNBA stars, the US team boast impressive depth on the bench. To try to upset the odds, Nigeria will rely on their dynamic style of play, built on aggressive defence and fast attacking, which has already proved effective in the previous round.
It is a huge test for Nigeria, who have an opportunity to show their progress and defy expectations, while testing themselves against the very best to keep improving on the world stage and, why not, produce one of the biggest shocks of these Olympic Games.