NIGERIA’S senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, made history by qualifying for the quarter-final of the basketball event in the ongoing Paris Olympic Games in Paris, France, by defeating fifth-ranked Canada, 79-70, in the last Group B game on Sunday, August 4.
Rena Wakama tutored African champions won just one out of four quarters after an 18-18 draw at the end of the first quarter.
Canada won the second quarter 23-19, before D’Tigress’ resurgence in the third quarter with a 23-5 win.
They won the match in spite of a 24-19 loss in the final and fourth quarter.
Ezinne Kalu brought her best to play as she emerged the top performer of the match with 21 points, three rebounds and two assists, ahead of Canada’s Colley with 17 points, a rebound, and an assist.
D’Tigress moved to the top of Group B with five points ahead of France with four points and an outstanding match against Australia.
The winner of the match between France and Australia would join Nigeria in the quarter-final.
Wakama, who made history as the first woman coach to win the Afrobasket title, continues to put her name in basketball history with this latest feat.
