Host France defeated Nigeria’s D’Tigress in the 2024 Olympic campaign by 75-54 on Thursday evening at the Pierre Mauroy Stadium.
D'Tigress' defeat now puts them in a must-win match against Canada to secure a spot in the quarterfinals.
The Head Coach of D'Tigress, Rena Wakama, opened the game with a starting lineup featuring Ezinne Kalu, Amy Okonkwo, Murjanatu Musa, Kunayi Akpanah-Pellas, and Elizabeth Balogun.
France capitalized on defensive errors by the D'Tigress' guards to gain an early lead with a nine-point advantage. However, D’Tigress rallied to close the gap, trailing 24-20 after the first quarter.
The French team continued their dominance in the second quarter, extending their lead behind the leadership of Gabby Williams. At halftime, Les Bleues held a comfortable seven-point advantage, 38-31.
Nigeria struggled from the field, shooting 37% (11-of-30) compared to France’s 55% (17-of-31). Both teams forced turnovers – Nigeria with 13, France with 8.
The French restricted Nigeria to just eight points in the third quarter while they scored 16, ending the quarter 54-39 with a commanding 15-point lead. In the final quarter, France outscored Nigeria 24-15 to win 75-54.
Ezinne Kalu was the game’s highest scorer for the second consecutive game, scoring 18 points, while Musa Murjanatu contributed 14 points. Amy Okonkwo had a forgettable game, scoring just six points.
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