Fans erupt after Nigeria becomes first African country to qualify for Olympics quarterfinal in basketball [Credit: FIBA X handle]

"We feast bring on USA": Fans erupt after Nigeria becomes first African country to qualify for Olympics quarterfinal in basketball

Modified Aug 04, 2024 15:26 GMT

Basketball fans were fired up after the Nigeria women's basketball team qualified for the quarterfinals of the Paris Olympics. After opening their Olympic bout with a win over Australia, they lost to France in the second game. D'Tigress came back strong and beat Canada by nine points in their third game.

With their second win in three games, Nigeria have become the only team from Africa, in both men's and women's competition, to ever reach the quarterfinals at the Olympics. Considered the best team in Africa, D'Tigress currently holds the top spot in Group B.

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Reacting to D'Tigress' historical feat, some of the fans expressed supreme confidence in its ability.

"WE BEAT CANADA, WE BEAT AUSTRALIA: BRING ON THE USA!!!" a fan wrote.

"Congratulations we feast bring on USA," another fan wrote.

It wasn't just a big win for an African team for some fans. They also took a shot at the Canadian team.

"Well done Nigeria 🇳🇬! But Canada what happened this Olympics ??" a fan wrote.

Some of the fans were so confident that the team would win gold at the Olympics.

"At this point, just give them the GOLD medal," a fan wrote.

"And they will win. Congratulations to team Nigeria in advance," another fan wrote.

However, there were also some fans who credited the team's coach Rena Wakama for the historical feat.

"Best coach in the world," a fan wrote.

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Nigeria's women’s basketball team advances to the quarterfinals and their defense is the biggest factor

Nigeria’s women’s basketball team will become the first-ever African team to play in the Olympics quarterfinals. On August 4, they defeated the Canadian team by 79-70 to advance to the knockout stage of the Paris Olympics.

With the loss, the Canadian team went 0-3 in the group stage, falling to the bottom of the standing.

After a competitive two quarters in the game, Nigeria elevated their game. They outscored the Canadians by 23-5 in the third quarter. In the same quarter, they also went for a 17-0 run.

By the fourth quarter, the African team had taken a 17-point lead which seemed like a steep mountain to climb for the North American team.

Amidst their big surge and a surprising rise in the Olympics, D'Tigress' defense has been the biggest factor in their win percentage. The Canadian team was held to an overall 37% shooting from the field.

It has put some unbelievable defensive numbers on the board. They won their opening game against Australia in the group stage and caused 26 turnovers and also got away with 15 steals.

They played France in the next game, and despite losing the game, they forced 17 turnovers, along with registering nine steals in the game.

In three group-stage games, the Nigeria team has forced a total of 69 turnovers against their opponents. Moreover, they have also come away with a total of 40 steals, averaging over 13 steals a game.

If they continue to put their defensive clinic and face the USA in the future, they can become a big trouble for the defending Olympic gold medalists.