Nigeria’s Basketball WNT, D’Tigress secured a place in the quarter-finals of the Paris Olympic Games after a remarkable 79-70 victory over Canada, ranked fifth in the world.

This victory marks a historic achievement for D’Tigress, as they advance to the last eight of the Olympics for the first time.

Nigeria’s French assistant coach Wani Muganguzi (Front) and Nigeria’s players and staff pose as they celebrate after winning the women’s preliminary round group B basketball match against Canada. (Photo by SAMEER AL-DOUMY/AFP via Getty Images)

Entering the tournament as the lowest-ranked team, placed 12th in the power rankings, the Nigerians have defied expectations by defeating the third-ranked Australian team and now the fifth-ranked Canadian team, with their only loss coming against seventh-ranked France.

The game saw D’Tigress initially trailing by four points at halftime after surrendering an early lead.

However, they roared back in the third quarter, launching an 11-0 run to take a nine-point lead.

Key contributions came from Ezinne Kalu, Promise Amukamara, and Pallas Kunaiyi-Akpanah, while Amy Okonkwo’s return to the court added a boost.

Adebola Adeyeye and Promise Amukamara. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

The third quarter ended strongly for Nigeria, with Nicole Enabosi sinking a crucial outside shot to extend their lead to 14 points, closing the period at 60-46.

D’Tigress maintained their momentum into the fourth quarter, ultimately sealing the win and their historic quarterfinal spot.