Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, the D’Tigress, suffered a 75-54 blowout defeat to Paris 2024 Olympics hosts France in the women’s basketball on Thursday.
The D’Tigress, who made history in their opening game against the Opals of Australia, were unable to replicate a similar defensive showing against Les Bleues in their second Group B game at the Pierre Mauroy Stadium.
Allez Les Bleus 🇫🇷
France move past Nigeria 🇳🇬 to qualify for Quarter-Finals 🔥#Paris2024 x #Basketball pic.twitter.com/fYlwVHnlXf
— FIBA (@FIBA) August 1, 2024
The French women were dominant from start to finish, winning all four quarters in the contest to book a spot in the quarterfinals. They had registered 13 steals and four blocks and forced Nigeria to turn the ball over 21 times in an emphatic defensive performance, which saw them hold the D’Tigress to 32% shooting from the field and 21% from the 3-point line.
France was led by New York Liberty guard Marine Johannes, who recorded a team-high 15 points and a game-high five 3s. Gabby Williams, however, was the star of Thursday’s show for Les Bleues, as she stuffed the stat sheet with her 14-point, five-rebounds, seven assists, and six steals performance.
Welcome to the quarter-finals, @FRABasketball 👋#Paris2024 x #Basketball pic.twitter.com/5N6I6JuCJh
— FIBA (@FIBA) August 1, 2024
Meanwhile, for a second straight game, Rena Wakama’s Nigerian side was led by Ezinne Kalu, who finished with 18 points and was 9-of-11 from the free throw line. Murjanatu Musa followed up her impressive performance against Australia with a 14-point and 9-rebound display against the hosts, while Amy Okonkwo poured in six points and seven rebounds, shooting 2 of 3 from beyond the arc.
With France through to the next round and Australia’s 70-65 win over Canada, the D’Tigress must defeat the Canadians in their final group game on Sunday, August 4, and hope Les Bleues provides them with some support by beating the Australia’s Opals.
