By defeating Canada 79-70 on Sunday, August 4, Nigeria became the first African team, both male and female, to reach the Olympic basketball quarterfinals. Ezinna Kalu scored 21 points, making Nigeria Olympic history.
A nation that came to France in search of its first Olympic victory since the 2004 Athens Games has already made strides, thanks to this victory.
The assistant coach of Nigeria’s WBT recorded the historic win on her phone as the team celebrated at midcourt.
After a fan gave an assistant coach a flag, the team took their time taking photos and hugs to celebrate the victory.
On the final day of group play for women’s basketball, a team ranked 12th eliminated Canada, a fifth-ranked nation that has lost three games and is ranked fifth overall.
Meanwhile, these nations have proactively booked their spot at the quarterfinal: Germany, Spain, Serbia, France, and the United States. The draw for the quarterfinals will follow the last game among Australia and host country France.
Nigeria failed to qualify for the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games and also went winless in Tokyo. Even for the opening ceremony on July 26, the Nigerian team was denied access to Nigeria’s boat. Thanks to this historic win; they will now play on Wednesday at Bercy Arena, which is on the Seine River’s banks.
Canada led 41-37 at halftime after Nigeria scored the first six points. In the second half, Nigeria opened with a 13-1 run. In the third quarter, they defeated Canada 23-5 and led 60-46 into the fourth.
Nigeria’s Elizabeth Balogun scored 14 points, and Promise Amukamara scored 12. Shay Colley drove Canada with 17 places, Bridget Carleton added 13, and Kayla Alexander scored 12.
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