Nigeria’s D’Tigress suffered a 77-63 defeat against Germany in a pre-Olympic friendly on Friday. Despite the loss, Rena Wakama’s side delivered a spirited performance, showcasing their potential ahead of the Olympics.
Forward Amy Okonkwo led the scoring for D’Tigress with 16 points and two rebounds. Elizabeth Balogun also contributed significantly, recording 14 points and five rebounds. However, it was Germany’s Alexis Peterson who stole the spotlight as the game’s top scorer, finishing with 22 points.
The Nigerian team started strong but struggled to maintain momentum against a disciplined German side.
Despite their efforts, they were unable to close the gap and secure a victory. Coach Wakama praised her team’s effort and resilience, emphasizing the importance of these friendlies in preparing for the Olympics.
“We showed great spirit out there. These games are crucial for us to identify areas we need to improve before the Olympics,” Wakama said after the match.
D’Tigress will continue their pre-Olympic campaign with friendlies against Serbia and Puerto Rico. These matches will be critical for the team to fine-tune their strategies and build cohesion ahead of the Olympic Games.
At the Olympics, Nigeria will face a challenging group stage, competing against powerhouses Australia, France, and Canada. The team is focused on using these preparatory games to enhance their performance and aim for success on the global stage.
“Our goal is to be ready and competitive. We have the talent and the determination. It’s about putting everything together,” Wakama added.
As D’Tigress gear up for their next friendlies, the team remains optimistic and committed to delivering strong performances, aiming to make a significant impact at the upcoming Olympic Games.
