Nigeria’s Basketball WNT, D’Tigress, made history by qualifying for the quarter-finals of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

D’Tigress secured their first Olympic win in 20 years over Australia, and have now become the first African team (men or women) to play in the Olympic quarter-finals.

On Sunday, the team needed a win in their final group game against Canada, or results in other games to see them through, and from the tip they took the initiative – the first quarter ended 18-18.

By halftime, Canada had taken the lead with a score of 41-37. However, Nigeria came back stronger in the third quarter, overturning the result to lead 60-46 and maintained their momentum to finish the game with a 79-70 victory.

D’Tigress’ journey in the group stage saw them defeating Australia 75-62, ranked third in the world.

Despite a loss to France, 75-54, their impressive performance against the North Americans (79-70), secured their place in the quarter-finals.

Coach Rena Wakama made history herself, becoming the first woman to win the AfroBasket, the first woman to coach Nigeria’s team at the Olympics, leading them to their first Olympic win in 20 years, and guiding them to become the first African country to win two group stage games at the Summer Games.