Nigeria’s female basketball team, D’Tigress, face an uphill battle after being handed a very tough opponent in the Paris 2024 Olympics quarterfinals.
D’Tigress, who secured a historic qualification into the knockout phase of the event, becoming the first African team to do so, will now take on nine-time Olympics champions ‘Team USA’, according to The Cable.
D’Tigress’ journey into the quarterfinals
The African champions began their Olympic journey with an upset 75-62 victory over Australia, their first win in the games since Sydney 2000.
A 75-54 loss to host nation France in the second game, which happens to be the only blemish in their journey into the knockout phase, was followed by a 79-70 victory over Canada, thereby securing a historic quarterfinals qualification where they will now face defending champions the USA.
Nigeria vs USA: A ‘mission impossible’ task
Having emerged champions in nine out of their eleven participations at the Olympics and also in nine of the last twelve World Cups, the USA basketball team are regarded as the most successful nation in the sport.
The World Number One are undefeated in France and will aim to defend their title as they quest for a tenth Olympic gold medal.
D’Tigress, on the other hand, will be hoping to produce the greatest upset in basketball history as they aim to extend their historic record even further.
