After denied entry to boats at opening ceremony, Nigerian women STUN at Olympics basketball

This win marks a significant milestone for African women's basketball.

After denied entry to boats at opening ceremony, Nigerian women STUN at Olympics basketball

Nigeria Female basketball team, D’Tigress (Image via X)

Nigeria’s women’s basketball team made history by winning their first Olympic game in 20 years, defeating Australia 75-62 in a stunning upset. The team’s coaches and players were overjoyed, taking in the cheers from the crowd and celebrating their hard-fought win.

This victory came just days after it was reported that the team was denied entry to the country’s boat at the opening ceremony due to a dispute with their own federation. Amy Okonkwo, who scored 13 points, said it felt amazing to overcome adversity and come out on top.

It feels so good. It’s been a tough couple of days. We’ve stuck together and this is what it’s about. Like, you overcome adversity and you fight until the finish and you come out with the win.
Amy Okonkwo said after the win over the Aussies

The team has faced internal strife and difficulties in recent years, including missing out on the World Cup in 2022. However, they have persevered and come together to achieve this historic win. Ezinne Kalu, who had 19 points, said they have been fighting to stay together as a team and prove themselves on the court.

This win marks a significant milestone for African women’s basketball as well as Africa as a whole as South Sudan marked a major milestone yesterday. With Nigeria becoming only the second African team to win an Olympic game, the team has set their sights on reaching the quarterfinals, a goal no African country has ever achieved. 

Nigeria Minister hails Nigeria’s female basketball team after historic Olympic win

The Minister of Sports Development, John Enoh, has praised Nigeria’s female basketball team, D’Tigress, for their outstanding performance in defeating Australia in the Olympics. Enoh described the win as inspirational to the entire Team Nigeria contingent and showered praises on the team for their remarkable character and determination.

The minister noted that the team’s victory over the world’s number three nation is a monumental achievement that has made every Nigerian proud. He emphasized that the win is not just a victory but a testament to the power of teamwork and determination.

D’ Tigress displayed remarkable character in their first match of the Olympic Games, taking down a basketball super-house and world number three nation to record a historic victory… This victory is not just a win; it is a monumental achievement.
The Minister said via his special assistant on media

The win marks a historic moment for Nigeria’s female basketball team, and the minister’s praise highlights the significance of their achievement. The win would be a relief to fans of the “Giants of Africa” after their female soccer team lost to an Alexia Putellas screamer. 

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