The 2024 Paris Summer Olympics are winding down, with numerous competitions already finished and the remaining events in their final stages. The Games, which officially commenced on July 26th, will conclude on August 18th, although some events began on July 24th prior to the opening ceremony.

Nigeria’s 89 athletes competed across 11 sports at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris: athletics, football, basketball, badminton, boxing, canoeing, cycling, taekwondo, table tennis, weightlifting, and wrestling. Among these athletes, several have distinguished themselves with exceptional performances. Notably, Favor Ofili made history by becoming the first Nigerian in 28 years to qualify for the 200m Olympic final. Beyond the individual achievements, the Nigerian women’s basketball team has captured global attention with their impressive and groundbreaking performance during the group stage.

The Nigerian women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, delivered a stunning performance in the group stage, securing a spot in the semi-finals of the 2024 Summer Olympics. This achievement is particularly remarkable considering the team’s previous struggles in Olympic competition. Prior to the 2024 Games, the African team had only managed one win in their last 37 Olympic games. D’Tigress began making history right from the first game of the tournament. Their victory over Australia in the opening match marked their first win in 20 years, and they achieved this in impressive fashion, securing a 75-62 victory.

D’Tigress continued their impressive run throughout the tournament, culminating in a historic victory over Canada in the final group stage match. This win made them the first African nation to reach the quarter-finals of the 2024 Summer Olympics. The team’s victory over Canada was a testament to their strength of character and focus, as they overcame a tough opponent with a narrow 9-point margin. The Nigerian team’s victory over Canada was a decisive one, sending the undefeated Canadian team home earlier than expected. D’Tigress established an early lead, going up by 11 points, and Canada was unable to recover. Ezinne Kalu delivered an exceptional performance, scoring 21 points, while Elizabeth Balogun contributed a memorable 14 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists, ensuring a comfortable victory for the Nigerian team. D’Tigress’ victories over Australia and Canada were not only impressive but also historic, as they marked the first time the team had won two Olympic games in a single tournament.

In the quarter-finals, D’Tigress faces another formidable opponent as they inch closer to the podium and a potential gold medal. This opponent is a team they have faced five times previously, without a single victory. Their closest encounter was in 2020, where they narrowly lost to the USA 76-71. The last encounter between these two teams was a particularly challenging one for D’Tigress, as they were overwhelmed by the American team, suffering a significant 100-46 defeat.

Despite the previous lopsided defeat, the Nigerian national team is operating at a different level and momentum. The team has undergone significant changes since their February 2024 encounter with the USA. D’Tigress will be relying on the likes of Ezinne Kalu and Elizabeth Balogun to replicate their strong performances from the Canada game and lead the team to a competitive showing against the USA. Nigeria faces a formidable opponent in the quarter-finals, a team that dominated their group stage matches with comfortable margins. The Nigerian team will need to be at their best to contain players like Jackie Young, Satou Sabally, and Luisa Geiselsöder. Jackie Young, in particular, poses a significant threat with her high efficiency and consistent scoring throughout the group stage. The task becomes even more daunting for Nigeria as they face A’ja Wilson, who averages an impressive 25.0 points and 20.3 efficiency per game. Stopping her will be a crucial factor in Nigeria’s chances of success.

Given their impressive performance thus far, the Nigerian team has demonstrated their potential and ability to compete at the highest level. Their momentum and achievements in this competition have instilled confidence in their ability to achieve even greater things in the future. D’Tigress are a force to be reckoned with, showcasing their determination and momentum as they strive for the next stage of the competition. With their sights set on gold, they are taking each game step by step, embracing their journey to victory.

Come on, Naija!!

Come on, the unstoppable Tigress!!!