Julius OkorieStill basking in the euphoria of fantastic show against Australia in the opener, Nigerian women basketball team, D’Tigress, has warned France and Canada to be ready for war in the second and last group matches respectively.
The Nigerian side made history by breaking a 20-year jinx, to earn their first victory at the Olympics with a resounding 75-62 victory over Australia.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe result and performance of the Nigerian ladies has sent apprehension in opponents’ camps to the effect that the ladies are not in Paris to make up the numbers.
An elated point guard of the D’Tigress Ezinne Kalu who contributed in no small measure to Australia defeat, identified strong defence and unity of purpose in the team as the ingredient that brought the needed result.
She handed a warning to France and Canada noting that the team only “Smell blood” while on the court.
She said, “When we are on the court, we smell blood. Nobody defends quite like us, and that is what keeps us going.
“Australia came out in the second half with their veterans and an amazing coach who knows what she’s doing, but we kept our foot on the gas and kept on going.
READ ALSO: BREAKING: D’Tigress Begin Well, Floor Australia 75-62
“Wow, this really means a lot for our country. Coming into this competition, we were ranked 12th [in the Power Rankings], and Australia, I think, were third or fourth.”
“Today we made a statement that we are not going to give up, and no matter what country we play, we are going to play our basketball.
“We are a family, and sometimes you fight with your brother and your sister, and then the next day you make up and be friends again the next day.
“That is what we have been doing in these past years. We have been trying to just stay together as a team, and today proved that we can be great.”
Ezinne Kalu’s outstanding contribution to the game, with 19 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals, showcased her exceptional skill and leadership.
For the Captain of the team, Amy Okonkwo, the moving force in the team is resilience and unity through thick and thin.
“It feels so good. We stuck together and we came together in adversity. This is what it is all about—you fight “she said .
D’Tigress will take on France in their next match on Wednesday 31st July, while the last group match against Canada comes up on August 4.
Nigeria and France won their opening matches of the group to earn three points each while Australia and Canada lost theirs to remain pointless going into the second round of matches.
Host France beat Canada 75-54 in their opener. United States who are defending Champions of the Olympic women basketball event opened campaign for their title defence with 102-76 defeat of China on Monday.
They will face Belgium on August 1st and concluded the group matches with clash against Germany in what has been dubbed battle of the titans.
Julius Okorie is Chief Sports and Entertainment Correspondent for Prime Business Africa. He began his journalism career with the Champion Newspaper and Sporting Champion and later moved on to Daily Independent and the Nation Newspapers. Okorie joined Prime Business Africa in 2024 bringing on board 20 years of experience in writing investigative news on Sports and Entertainment. His well researched and highly informative articles on Sports Business and general entertainment are followed by a wide range of audience.
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