By Victor Kanayo
Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, are out of the 2024 Olympic Games after losing 74-88 to the United States of America in the quarter-finals stage of the women’s basketball event which held at the Accor Arena, Paris.
Having exceeded expectations by making it to the last 16—a feat no other African team has achieved, the Nigerian team were hoping to book a place in the semi-final of the competition at the expense of the Americans.
However, the Americans won three of four quarters 17-27, 16-26, and 15-24.
Rena Wakama’s side won the fourth quarter 26-12 but it wasn’t enough to prevent a second loss of the tournament.
D’Tigress had defeated two teams in the top six ranking – Australia 75-62 and Canada 79-70.
Thus, they became the first African basketball team (men or women) to qualify for the quarter final at the Olympics.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s search for a medal as this year’s Olympics gradually winds down.
So far, Nigeria has featured in over 10 events with nothing to show.
On Thursday, Nigeria will take part in Wrestling, Taekwondo, 4x100m relay among others.
