In the wake of their remarkable performance at the Paris Olympics, D’Tigress forward Pallas Kunaiyi-Akpanah has expressed confidence in the team’s ability to build on their unprecedented success.

The African champions made history by becoming the first African basketball team—male or female—to reach such advanced stages of the competition.

D’Tigress captivated basketball fans globally as they secured victories against Australia and Canada, and pushed the USA to the limit in a thrilling contest.

Reflecting on the team’s achievements, Kunaiyi-Akpanah says, “This team is one of a kind. I am blessed to be a part of this group. These girls never give up and always keep fighting through any adversity.”

D’Tigress also set new records for Nigerian basketball at the Olympics, scoring more than 73 points in consecutive games for the first time.

In addition, their 26-point haul in the fourth quarter against the USA was the most any team has scored against the American side in the final quarter of an Olympic game.

“We are going out, but I think we are not going out on any kind of negative note,” Kunaiyi-Akpanah added.

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)

“I think we accomplished something big this year, and we need to build on this for the future.”