Nigeria’s D’Tigress will face France at this time of their second Group B recreation of the ladies’s basketball occasion on the Paris 2024 Olympic Video games. This match is anticipated to be key in figuring out the highest spot within the group.
Each groups secured dramatic victories of their opening video games, however France at the moment leads the group attributable to a greater level distinction.
The conflict between these two groups is essential, as they’ve confronted one another thrice beforehand, with France profitable two and Nigeria one.
The latest encounter between them was within the 2022 FIBA Basketball World Cup, the place Nigeria pulled off a shock 67-65 victory. Victoria Macaulay led Nigeria with 18 factors, and Oderah Chidom excelled in rebounds and assists.
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The D’Tigress have proven formidable kind, significantly after their efficiency in opposition to the world quantity three group, Australia.
Ezinne Kalu, who made a notable return to the nationwide group after a three-year hiatus, scored 19 factors, with 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and three steals of their earlier recreation. She commented on the group’s depth, saying, “Once we are on the court docket, we scent blood. No person defends fairly like us and that’s what retains us going. Australia got here out within the second half with their veterans and an incredible coach who is aware of what she’s doing, however we saved our foot on the fuel and saved on going.”
A victory over France, who gained bronze on the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, would see the D’Tigress safe 4 factors from two video games and make sure their qualification, whatever the final result between Canada and Australia.
France demonstrated their high quality of their opening recreation in opposition to Canada, with Marieme Badiane scoring 13 factors and main in rebounds with 6, whereas Gabby Williams contributed 12 factors and led in assists with 8. The Nigerian protection will have to be vigilant to stop these gamers from capitalizing on scoring alternatives.