Nigeria Gets First Olympic Win in 20 Years Against an Aussie Team Loaded with WNBA Talent
VILLENEUVE-D'ASCQ, France (AP) — In a thrilling display of skill and determination, Nigeria's women's basketball team achieved a historic victory, defeating Australia 75-62 in their group play opener at the Olympics. This win marks Nigeria's first Olympic victory in women's basketball since 2004, a significant milestone after failing to qualify for the 2016 Rio Games and going winless in Tokyo.
A Strong Start
Ezinne Kalu was the standout player for Nigeria, making her first four 3-pointers and scoring 17 of her 19 points in the first half. Her performance set the tone for the game, as Nigeria quickly established a lead. The team, ranked 12th in the world, faced a formidable opponent in Australia, who came into the match ranked third and loaded with WNBA talent, including coach Sandy Brondello from the New York Liberty.
Crowd Support and Celebration
The atmosphere in Pierre Mauroy Stadium was electric, with fans on their feet cheering for Nigeria as the game drew to a close. The players and coaches celebrated on the court, embracing each other and high-fiving the Australian team, showcasing the sportsmanship that defines the Olympic spirit. This victory was particularly sweet for Nigeria, who had faced challenges leading up to the Games, including being denied access to their country's boat during the opening ceremony.
Key Performers
In addition to Kalu's impressive performance, Promise Amukamara contributed 14 points, while Amy Okonkwo and Murjanatu Musa added 13 and 11 points, respectively. The Nigerian team demonstrated resilience and teamwork, scoring the final 11 points of the first half to take a commanding 41-28 lead into halftime.
Australia’s Struggles
Despite a strong start, Australia struggled to maintain their momentum. They lost forward Bec Allen to a hamstring injury before the Olympics, which impacted their performance. The Opals managed to close the gap in the second half, but Nigeria's defense and strategic plays kept them at bay. Alanna Smith led Australia with 15 points, but the team faced difficulties, including a poor free-throw performance, hitting only 8 of 18 attempts and committing 26 turnovers that led to 26 points for Nigeria.
Implications for the Tournament
This victory not only boosts Nigeria's morale but also shakes up the expectations for the tournament. The first round of group play saw several top-ranked teams, including No. 2-ranked China and sixth-ranked Belgium, suffer losses, indicating a highly competitive field. The U.S. team, aiming for an unprecedented eighth consecutive Olympic gold, managed to avoid the upset bug, defeating Japan 102-76.
Looking Ahead
As the tournament progresses, Nigeria will face France on Thursday, a match that promises to be another test of their newfound momentum. Meanwhile, Australia will look to regroup and find their footing against Canada, both teams seeking their first win in the tournament.
This historic win for Nigeria serves as a reminder of the unpredictability and excitement of Olympic basketball, where underdogs can rise to the occasion and create unforgettable moments on the world stage.