Nigeria’s D’Tigress exited the women’s basketball event of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games with a commendable performance despite losing to Team USA 74-88.
The Afrobasket champions, though underdogs, achieved historic success and won the admiration of basketball fans worldwide.
Coach Rene Wakama and her team put up a valiant effort in the quarterfinal match against the Americans, who are vying for their eighth consecutive Olympic gold medal.
The USA will face Australia, who defeated Serbia 85-67, in the semifinal on Friday, with a place in the gold-medal match at stake.
Nigeria made history by becoming the first African team—male or female—to reach the Olympic quarterfinals after defeating Canada in their final group match.
This was only Nigeria’s second Olympic victory since their debut in Athens in 2004. Despite their strong start, including a win over Australia, overcoming the experienced USA team proved too challenging.
In the other semifinal, hosts France will play against Belgium following their victories over Germany and Spain, respectively. Marine Johannes led France to an 84-71 win with a game-high 24 points.
After winning silver in London 2012 and bronze in Tokyo 2020, France aims to secure Olympic gold on home soil.
Belgium, who made their Olympic debut in 2020 and finished seventh, will be competing for a medal in Paris after their 79-66 victory over Spain.
