By Milcah Tanimu
Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, faced their first defeat in Group C at the Paris 2024 Olympics, falling 75-54 to France. This loss contrasted sharply with their earlier triumph over Australia in their group stage opener.
In the game against France, point guard Ezinne Kalu shone brightly, scoring 18 points and once again showcasing her exceptional talent. Despite her standout performance, Kalu’s efforts were not enough to overcome the robust French defense, which proved pivotal in the match.
Gabby Williams was a key player for France, contributing 14 points, seven assists, and six steals, helping France maintain a perfect 2-0 record in the tournament. Marine Johannes also made significant contributions with 15 points, while France’s efficient scoring inside the paint—22-of-35 shots—demonstrated their dominance.
Defensively, France excelled, limiting D’Tigress’s scoring opportunities and displaying physicality throughout the game. Nigeria’s total points were noticeably lower compared to their previous performance, with many coming from free throws.
Following this defeat, D’Tigress, now tied with Australia at 1-1, must secure a win against Canada to advance to the next round, as Canada currently holds a 0-2 record.
