Following their first Olympic victory since 2004 over Australia 75-62 in their group play opener on July 29, Nigeria’s female basketball team, D’Tigress, defeated Canada 79-70 on Sunday to move to the quarterfinals for the first time in the Paris Olympics.
Ezinne Kalu of Nigeria stole the show, scoring 21 points to lead Nigeria to a memorable victory that ended Canada’s Olympic participation.
The first half was a closely contested struggle as Canada fought to stay in the game, leading by four points at halftime. However, after the break, D’Tigress placed more pressure, which the Canadians were unable to withstand and never recovered from.
Nigeria dominated Canada in the third quarter, outscoring them 23-5 and opening with a 15-0 run to grab an eight-point advantage. By the middle of the fourth quarter, Nigeria’s lead had extended to an unbeatable 17 points, securing the victory.
D’Tigress made 45% of their field goals and 38% of their three-point tries, but their defence was the difference in their crucial victory. They limited Canada to 37% shooting overall, including a dreadful 5-26 from beyond the arc.