D’Tigress of Nigeria defeated the Opals of Australia 75-62 in women’s basketball at the Paris Olympics.
Point guard Ezinne Kalu delivered a clutch performance, inspiring the Rena Wakama-coached team to hold off a late charge by the Australians at the Pierre Mauroy Stadium on Monday.
Nigeria’s first victory at the Games since Athens 2004.
Kalu concluded the game with 19 points and five rebounds, leading Nigeria to a stunning victory over the world’s third-best team.
Australia started well, dominating the Nigerian ladies in the first few minutes.
Jade Melbourne and Ezi Magbegor led the Opals’ early onslaught, securing a 13-5 lead.
However, D’Tigress, competing in their second consecutive Summer Games, answered with a spectacular Kalu commanding their lines.
They led 18-17 at the end of the first quarter, thanks mostly to Kalu’s 11 points, three of which were three-pointers.
Kalu continued to execute the play into the second quarter. Amy Okonkwo and Elizabeth Balogun added to the Opals’ difficulties, and the D’Tigresses led 41-28 at halftime.
An incredible 16 turnovers by the Australian players had a significant impact on the scoreboard. Nigeria, by contrast, had only eight in the first half.
The Opals, who have five Olympic medals, needed a strong comeback in the second half. Despite some resolute defending by the Nigerians, the Opals gradually chipped away at the lead, with Alanna Smith leading the charge.
The Australians trailed by only four points entering the fourth quarter and had clawed their way back into the game.
The fourth quarter was fraught with tension. With just over six minutes remaining, the Opals trailed by only two points before going on a terrible run of play.
Smith, who had performed admirably for her side, missed two free throws before Promise Amukamara converted both for Nigeria. Promise then set up Okonkwo for a three-pointer, which put the defending four-time African champions seven points ahead.
Nigeria’s lead helped them to command play and comfortably win the match.
The D’Tigress will play host France in their second Group B match on Thursday before facing world number five Canada on Monday.