Paris 2024: D’Tigress Coach, Wakama Louds Praise On Players

Having snapped a 20-year Olympic losing streak, Nigeria’s D’Tigress head coach, Rene Wakama, credited her players’ hunger for their upset victory over Australia’s Opals.

The African champions displayed a never-die attitude and showed great character after recording a famous shocking 75-62 win against World No. 3 Australia in their opening game of the Women’s Olympic Basketball Tournament Paris 2024.

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Reacting o her teams victory, the emotional Wakama commended her players for their resilience in overcoming the tension against the Opals, saying they stunned the world.

“I have a wave of emotions. I am so proud and excited for this group. I’ve got a lot of girls that are hungry and shocked the world.

“We are tough. It’s in our DNA, it’s who we are – we don’t back down and I just want to bring a lot of energy and passion,” 

Also speaking on the game, returning Ezinne Kalu, who recorded 19 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals, noted that the team’s defense was formidable in denying the Opals from scoring.

“Our defense was relentless.

When we are on the court, we smell blood. Nobody defends quite like us, and that is what keeps us going.

Australia came out in the second half with their veterans and an amazing coach who knows what she’s doing, but we kept our foot on the gas and kept on going.”

It was D’Tigress’s second-ever victory at the Olympic Games and it was a sensational performance by D’Tigress as they capitalized on Australian turnovers to take victory in front of another huge crowd in Lille.

D’Tigress won three-quarters out of four, winning the 1st 18-17, 2nd 23-11,exploded with a spectacular 11-0 run to end the first half, building a commanding 13-point lead heading into the locker room.

However, they lost the third quarter 10-19 but went on to steal the show in the 4th quarter with an impressive 24-15 win.

D’Tigress will now face Canada in their next group B game before playing the host France in the final group match.