Nigeria will face the reigning champions, the USA, in the quarter-finals of the Paris 2024 Olympic women’s basketball competition. This highly anticipated match, set for Wednesday, follows the knockout stage draw held on Sunday.
Nigeria’s women’s basketball team has made history by becoming the first African nation, male or female, to reach the final eight in an Olympic basketball tournament.
The Nigerians secured their spot in the quarter-finals with a 79-70 victory over Canada. Amy Okonkwo was a key player in this success, celebrating energetically as Nigeria advanced in the competition. On the other hand, the USA continued their dominant performance in the tournament by defeating Germany 87-68, led by standout contributions from Jackie Young, who scored 19 points, and A’ja Wilson, who added 14 points.
Facing the formidable American team, which has won the last seven Olympic titles, will be a significant challenge for Nigeria. The USA team has a long history of excellence in women’s basketball and is widely regarded as the favorite to win the tournament.
In other quarter-final matchups, host nation France, who won bronze at the Tokyo Games three years ago, will play against Germany. Spain is set to take on Belgium, and Serbia will go head-to-head with Australia in the first match of the day.
All knockout stage games will be held in Paris, following the group play that took place near Lille.
