African champions, D’Tigress of Nigeria, started their Paris 2024 Olympic Games quest for gory on a winning note this Monday morning, January 29, vanquishing their highly fancied Opals of Australia 75-62 in the Women’s Basketball Tournament Group B opener.
It was D’Tigress’ first Olympic win in 20 years.
The Australians have five Olympic medals to their name and parade experienced players, but that did not count with the determined Nigerian team under the tutelage of Coach Rena Wakama.
D’Tigress had shown promise in their warm-up games, despite losing to Germany and Serbia. The team, led by star forward Amy Okonkwo, MVP of the FIBA Women’s Afrobasket 2023, and the returning Ezinne Kalu, a proven leader and playmaker, as long as the towering Lauren Ebo, is ready to give their best effort and make a mark at the Paris Olympics.
Credit: NEWS EXPRESS.
