For the first time in 20 years, Nigeria’s female basketball team, D’Tigress, have recorded a sensational victory in the ongoing Paris Olympics tearing the Opals of Australia apart 75-62 in highly contested game.
On Monday, the Nigerian team, according to Punch newspaper, defused a late rally from the Aussies and jolted the five-time Olympic medalists.
Point guard Ezinne Kalu produced a scintillating performance, and inspired the Rena Wakama-coached team to withstand a late rally from the Aussies to secure Nigeria’s first at the Games since Athens 2004, at the Pierre Mauroy Stadium.
Easily the most valuable player of the match, Kalu finished the game with 19 points and five rebounds to help Nigeria secure a remarkable victory over the highly rated Australians, who are the world’s third-best team.
Australia were businesslike right from the blast of the whistle as they swarmed the Nigerian ladies in the early minutes, with Jade Melbourne and Ezi Magbegor leading the onslaught that gave the Opals their early lead of 13-5.
However, D’Tigress, who were playing their second successive Summer Games, responded with Kalu showing class as she led her team’s lines. Little wonder they ended the first quarter at 18-17. Big thanks to Kalu’s 11 points, which included three three-pointers.
The selfsame Kalu continued her magnificent runs in the second quarter, with Amy Okonkwo and Elizabeth Balogun compounding the Opals’ problems as the D’Tigress went into half-time with a shocking 41-28 lead.
The Aussies came into the second half with a strong response, steadily reducing the lead undeterred by the tightly woven defence of the Nigerians.
Alanna Smith led the fightback as the Opals headed into the final quarter trailing D’Tigress by just four points.
The final quarter proved to be quite a nervy affair as Australia were just trailing Nigeria with just two points, and with about six minutes of play left.
Then, Smith, who had been excellent for her team, missed two free throws before Promise Amukamara converted both of hers for Nigeria. Promise then set up Okonkwo for a three-pointer which saw the reigning four-time African champions go seven points clear.
The lead allowed Nigeria to dictate the play and wrap up the match comfortably.
The D’Tigress will face host France in their next Group B match on Thursday before a showdown against world number 5, Canada, next Monday.
