Tokyo Olympics: D’Tigress suffer second defeat to France

D’Tigress suffered another defeat in their second group B game at the Tokyo Olympics, losing 87-62 to France on Friday. 

The Nigerian women’s basketball team was completely overwhelmed by the rampaging French players who came into the game off the back of a 74-70 loss to Japan in the open game.

D’Tigress showed little of the firm defensive play that helped them secure a reasonable 81-72 defeat to Team US on Tuesday.

Otis Hughley named an identical starting five — Adaora Elonu, the team’s captain, Promise Amukamara, Ezinne Kalu, Pallas Kunaiyi-Akpanah, and Victoria Macaulay.

The game began with France running to an 8-0 early lead but Nigeria closed the score to 11-8.

The French eventually won the first quarter 18-12.

D’Tigress struggled immensely in the second quarter and the French ran them ragged to establish a 44-27 lead at halftime.

Nigeria’s poor defensive play and unyielding offenses meant France finished the third quarter with a 67-42 lead.

In the fourth quarter, the French then took the game 87-62 to force D’Tigress to their second loss at the Olympics.

Nigeria will hope for a win when they face Japan on Monday in their final group game while hoping that results elsewhere go their way.