After their thrilling opening day win over third-ranked Australia, the Nigerian women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, will look to continue their fairytale run at the Olympics when they face hosts France at the Pierre Mauroy Stadium.
Both teams recorded wins in their opening Group B games, and a victory in their second game would automatically qualify them for the quarterfinals. France defeated Canada 75-54 in their opener, while D’Tigress stunned Australia in their first game.
D’Tigress will draw inspiration from their 67-65 comeback win over France in a 2022 FIBA Women’s World Cup qualifier in Serbia. They’ll look to pull off another shock win, with standout players Ezinne Kalu, Amy Okonkwo, Elizabeth Balogu, and others aiming to continue their fine form.
The Nigerians will be wary of French forward Williams Gabby and center Badiane Marieme, who led the French in scoring against Canada.
Four players from the team that defeated France in 2022 – forwards Amy Okonkwo and Nicole Enabosi, guard Promise Amukamara, and center Pallas Kunaiyi-Akpanah – are still on the roster.
D’Tigress will face not just the French players but also a packed arena and will need to bring their A-game to the encounter, showcasing their defensive and offensive prowess to secure a win.
