Paris 2024: D’Tigress to battle USA in Olympic women’s basketball knockouts

Nigeria’s players and staff, with Nigeria’s US coach Rena Wakama (3rdR) pose as they celebrate after winning the women’s preliminary round group B basketball match between Canada and Nigeria during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at the Pierre-Mauroy stadium in Villeneuve-d’Ascq, northern France, on August 4, 2024. (Photograph: Sameer AL-DOUMY / AFP)

History-making Nigeria’s D’Tigress will face reigning USA champions in the quarter-finals of the Paris Olympics women’s basketball competition on Wednesday, following the draw on Sunday.

The Nigerians are the first African nation ever to reach the last eight of an Olympic basketball tournament, men and women included.

They will have a tough task against the Americans, who have won the last seven titles.

Nigeria clinched their place by beating Canada 79-70 on Sunday, while the USA defeated Germany 87-68 thanks to 19 points from Jackie Young and 14 points from A’ja Wilson.

Host nations France, the bronze medallists three years ago at the Tokyo Games, play Germany while Spain takes on Belgium.

The first match of the day on Wednesday pits Serbia against Australia.

The knockout stages of the men’s and women’s basketball tournament will be played in Paris after group play took place near the northern city of Lille.

AFP