The Nigerian women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, made history at the Paris 2024 Olympics, capturing the hearts of young Nigerians with their remarkable performance. Led by coach Rena Wakama, the team defied expectations and became the first African team, male or female, to reach the quarter-finals in Olympic basketball history.
Overcoming Challenges
D’Tigress faced adversity even before the Games began, missing the opening ceremony boat parade due to internal conflicts among officials. However, the team remained focused and determined to make their mark on the global stage.
In their group opener, D’Tigress stunned the world by defeating the third-ranked Australia 75-62. Team captain Amy Okonkwo was named MVP, while Ezinne Kalu, returning to the team since the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, delivered a standout performance with 19 points, five rebounds, five assists, and three steals.
Historic Achievements
D’Tigress continued to make waves in their subsequent matches. Despite losing to host nation France, they bounced back with a 79-70 victory over Canada in their final group game. This triumph made them the first-ever African team, male or female, to advance to the quarter-finals of the Olympic basketball tournament.
The team’s success was built on years of dedication, hard work, and regular participation in global championships like the FIBA Women’s World Cup. Their journey has inspired a new generation of young Nigerians to pursue their dreams in sports.
Musa Kida’s Praise
Musa Kida, the President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), praised the team’s achievements, attributing their success to the coach’s independence and the players’ resilience. He highlighted the challenges the team faced, including being drawn against the highest-ranked team in their group, but praised their ability to overcome their fears and shock the world.
Kida emphasized the importance of investing in women’s sports and providing the necessary resources and support for the team to reach the podium and secure a medal. He believes that with the right investment, Nigeria has the talent and potential to compete at the highest levels of basketball.
Inspiring the Future
D’Tigress’ performance at the Paris Olympics has marked a turning point for Nigerian basketball. Their success has elevated the sport in Nigeria and across Africa, sparking increased interest and investment in women’s sports. Coach Wakama expressed optimism about the future, stating, “The future is bright, but we’ve got to invest in us. We have to give these girls all the resources and the support for them to be able to get to the podium and get a medal.”
As D’Tigress and Coach Wakama prepare for their next challenge, young Nigerians are inspired by their incredible journey and the promise of even greater accomplishments to come. The team’s story underscores the importance of perseverance, teamwork, and the belief that with the right support, African teams can compete and succeed on the global stage.
By Joseph Johnston
Youth Editor
Egogonewshub
