Paris Olympics: Nigeria’s D’Tigress face France in second group game
Nigeria’s D’Tigress will face France today in their second Group B game of the women’s basketball event at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. This match is expected to be key in determining the top spot in the group.
Both teams secured dramatic victories in their opening games, but France currently leads the group due to a better point difference.
The clash between these two teams is crucial, as they have faced each other three times previously, with France winning two and Nigeria one.
The most recent encounter between them was in the 2022 FIBA Basketball World Cup, where Nigeria pulled off a surprise 67-65 victory. Victoria Macaulay led Nigeria with 18 points, and Oderah Chidom excelled in rebounds and assists.
READ MORE: Who is Rena Wakama, record-breaking Nigeria Basketball coach
The D’Tigress have shown formidable form, particularly after their performance against the world number three team, Australia.
Ezinne Kalu, who made a notable return to the national team after a three-year hiatus, scored 19 points, with 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals in their previous game. She commented on the team’s intensity, saying, “When we are on the court, we smell blood. Nobody defends quite like us and that is what keeps us going. Australia came out in the second half with their veterans and an amazing coach who knows what she’s doing, but we kept our foot on the gas and kept on going.”
A victory over France, who won bronze at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, would see the D’Tigress secure four points from two games and confirm their qualification, regardless of the outcome between Canada and Australia.
France demonstrated their quality in their opening game against Canada, with Marieme Badiane scoring 13 points and leading in rebounds with 6, while Gabby Williams contributed 12 points and led in assists with 8. The Nigerian defense will need to be vigilant to prevent these players from capitalizing on scoring opportunities.
