Paris Olympics: D’Tigress bow out after quarter-final loss to US

D’Tigress of Nigeria have crashed out of the women’s basketball event at the 2024 Paris Olympics. 

The team was defeated 88-74 by the US in the quarter-final of the competition at the Bercy Arena in Paris on Wednesday.

The fairy tale run of the Rena Wakama-led ladies came to a halt beneath the heels of the giant Americans.

Nigeria had defeated Australia in their opening match, recording D’Tigress’ first win at the Olympics in 20 years.

The team then qualified for its first-ever appearance in the last eight of the Olympic basketball tournament after defeating Canada 79-70 in their last group game.

Against the US in the quarter-final, however, D’Tigress failed to conjure another historic victory.

The team initially kept pace with the Americans in the first quarter, and it finished 26-17.

The lead was extended to 52-33 by halftime, and Nigeria kept chasing, but the US team was unmatched.

The American held on for a 14-point victory over D’Tigress and progressed to the semi-finals.

Ezinne Kalu was D’Tigress’ best player throughout the tournament. Her aggressiveness and expressions on the court rubbed off her teammates.

Amy Okonkwo, the team captain, also had a brilliant competition alongside Promise Amukamara and Musa Marjanatu.