Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, suffered their first defeat at the Paris 2024 Olympics, slumping to 75-54 defeat to France in their second Group C game in Paris on Thursday.
It wasn’t nearly as pretty as the opening 75-54 blowout of Australia, but Ezinne Kalu was the best performer on the day, with the New Jersey-born point guard and three-time AfroBasket champion Ezinne Kalu followed up with her second successive stunning performance in as many outings at the Games.
Following their impressive win over the Opals on Monday Rena Wakama’s side hoped to make it two successive victories, but were undone by the suffocating French side, boasting a strong defence.
Gabby Williams had 14 points, seven assists and six steals as France improved to 2-0 with a win over Nigeria at Stade Pierre-Mauroy.
France’s defensive chops have been impressive through two games, holding Nigeria to the same total as in Les Bleus opening defeat of Canada.
Marine Johannes added 15 points for the French, who were aggressive and physical throughout, committing 14 fouls and racking up 13 steals.
France’s size advantage also showed up in the paint, shooting 22-of-35 from inside the 3-point line.
Despite the defeat Kalu had another impressive game, scoring 18 points, but there was little help outside of Murjanatu Liman Musa’s 14.
Nigeria’s total points did not come close to the 75 posted in the tournament-opening win over Australia, and 15 of their points came from the line.
D’Tigress join Australia with a 1-1 record, while Canada is 0-2.
Wakama’s side will have a chance to clinch a historic knockout berth when they meet Canada on Saturday, while France look to complete a perfect run through the group in a matchup with Australia.
