D’Tigress Q’finals Hope Hangs in the Balance as France Outdunks Nigeria

Nigeria’s women basketball team, D’Tigress are one the country’s medal hopefuls before the start of the Tokyo Olympics after losing their first two games to America and France respectively, their hope of progressing further in the now hangs in the balance.

D’Tigress were outclassed by France in its second group basketball game, losing 87-62 to put Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the quarterfinals out of their hands at the ongoing Tokyo 2020 Olympics in Japan.

D’Tigress have lost its second game at the Olympics after falling to Team USA in the opening encounter.
Coach Otis Hughley named Adaora Elonu, Promise Amukamara, Ezinne Kalu, Pallas Kunaiyi-Akpanah, and Victoria Macaulay as the starting five against France.

Nigeria lost the first three quarters; 18-12, 26-15, 23-15 and drew the fourth 20-20. Yesterday’s performance was a far cry from what was expected of the ladies as they performed better in the loss to Team USA.

Poor defensive play and unyielding offenses from D’Tigress have all but slimmed the chances of qualifying to the next round of the competition.

Nigeria will need to beat hosts Japan in the final game to stand a chance of advancing from the group. Victory over Japan would however not be enough for the Nigerian ladies, who would also need for the other result between USA and Japan to go their way.

D’Tigress will have to performed better defensively and improve its offence if they are to progress.

Team USA beat Japan 86-69 at the Saitama Super Arena in Tokyo, making it two wins in the preliminary round of Olympic women’s basketball yesterday.