The Nigerian team, D’Tigress, engineered a piece of history by defeating the host team, Australia’s Opal, 75-62 in the women’s basketball event at the Paris Olympics on Monday. This happens to be the first Olympic victory since the Athens 2004 Olympics. Turning in a sterling performance, point guard Ezinne Kalu scored 19 points and pulled down five rebounds to inspire her side to a memorable win at the Pierre Mauroy Stadium.
Australia opened in scintillating fashion with Jade Melbourne and Ezi Magbegor setting the tone in an early surge to 13-5. However, Nigeria replied so effectively—thanks to some brilliant work by Kalu—that by the end of the opening quarter, they had edged in front, 18–17. Kalu’s three three-pointers and 11 points got her going, then the D’Tigress cruised into 41–28 at halftime, given that the Aussies coughed up the ball 16 times compared to eight for Nigeria.
The Opals mounted a second-half comeback that cut the deficit to four points heading into the final quarter. However, the Nigerian defense held firm before key plays, including Promise Amukamara’s two free throws and Amy Okonkwo’s three-pointer, sealed the win.
Next up for D’Tigress is a date with host France on Thursday before a crucial match with world number 5 Canada next Monday.
