D’Tigress’ performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics was nothing short of spectacular and will be remembered for years to come by both Nigerians and basketball fans worldwide. Several players on the team stepped up, delivering standout performances that contributed significantly to their historic run.
Nigeria’s journey to the quarterfinals was marked by impressive victories over basketball powerhouses Australia and Canada, making them the first African team to achieve this feat. This remarkable success was a result of both strong teamwork and exceptional individual talent.
Several players showcased their abilities on both ends of the court, playing crucial roles in the team’s success, here is a short list.
Ezinne Kalu (4th in Points Per Game Average)
Ezinne Kalu was a standout performer for D’Tigress at the Olympics, averaging an impressive 18.5 points per game. Her consistent scoring earned her a spot among the top four scorers of the tournament. The 32-year-old showcased exceptional skill and leadership throughout the competition. Not only did she lead Nigeria in scoring during all three group stages, but she also claimed the highest point total in each of those games.
She finished behind Belgium’s Emma Meesseman (23.3 PPG), Germany’s Satou Sabally (18.8), America’s A’ja Wilson (18.7 PPG) while Spain’s Megan Gustafson averaged 18 points in four game at the competition.
Aside from averaging the fourth-best points per game in the competition, Kalu Kalu was also named in the Olympics All-second Team alongside Julie Vanloo (Belgium), Satou Sabally (Germany), Valeriane Ayayi (France), and Ezi Magbegor (Australia). She is the first Nigerian and African to achieve the feat.
Promise Amukamara (1st in Steals APG)
Promise Amukamara also made history at the Olympics. She became the first Nigerian and African player to lead the tournament in steals, averaging an impressive three steals per game. She is joint top in steals percentage with Puerto Rico’s Trinity San Antonio.
Amukamara tied for the league lead in steals, averaging three per game. Despite this impressive feat, she finished second overall in total steals with 12, just behind France’s Gabby Williams who accumulated 17 steals. Amukamara’s standout performance included a game-high four steals against Australia and five against Canada.
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Ezinne Kalu, Amukamara’s teammate, also excelled in steals, ranking among the top five players in both steals per game and total steals. She averaged 2.5 steals, tying for fourth place with Serbia’s Yvonne Anderson and Germany’s Leonie Fiebich. Other D’Tigress contributing to the team’s steal count were Murjanatu Musa (6), Elizabeth Balogun (5), Pallas Kunaiyi-Akpanah (5), and Amy Okonkwo (5).
Nicole Enabosi (100% from 3 points made)
Nicole Enabosi showcased perfect efficiency from beyond the arc, sinking her only attempted three-pointer at a 100% clip. While Enabosi’s lone attempt was enough for a perfect percentage, Ezinne Kalu led the Nigerian contingent in three-pointers made, connecting on seven of eighteen attempts for a 38.9% shooting percentage.
China’s Yueru Li, Puerto Rico’s duo Trinity San Antonio, and Ali Gibson, Belgium’s Becky Massey and France’s Romane Bernies also had 100% from beyond the arc.
