Nigeria’s D’Tigress Triumphs Over Australia, while Super Falcons Fall to World Champions Spain, Teeter on Edge of Elimination
Written by Jerry Alomatu on July 29, 2024
Nigeria’s D’Tigress, the reigning African basketball champions, made a sensational start to their Paris Olympic Games campaign with a 75-62 victory over the highly favoured Australian team. This win is Nigeria’s first Olympic basketball triumph in 20 years, dating back to the Athens 2004 Games.
Under Rena Wakama’s leadership, the D’Tigress delivered a commanding performance at the Pierre Mauroy Stadium, securing what has been described as one of the biggest upsets of the Olympics so far.
Super Falcons’ Struggles Continue
In contrast, Nigeria’s Super Falcons suffered a 1-0 defeat to world champions Spain in their second Group C match of the 2024 Olympics Women’s Football Tournament at Stade de la Beaujoire – Louis Fonteneau in Nantes. The loss leaves the Super Falcons on the brink of elimination.
Coach Randy Waldrum made two changes from the team that lost 1-0 to Brazil, bringing in Asisat Oshoala for Veronica Ihezuo and Esther Okoronkwo instead of Jennifer Echegini. Despite the tactical adjustments, the Super Falcons struggled to find their rhythm.
Spain controlled much of the game, with the Falcons initially holding firm defensively. Key moments included a first-half save by Chiamaka Nnadozie, who denied Alexis Putellas with a point-blank stop, and a crucial block by Chidinma Okeke to keep the match scoreless.
The second half saw Spain maintain its dominance, with a goal by Salma Paralluelo in the 53rd minute ruled out for offside after a VAR review. Nigeria created chances of its own but failed to capitalize. In the 85th minute, Spain finally broke through with a superb free-kick by Putellas, leaving Nnadozie helpless.
Ihezuo had a chance to equalize for Nigeria in stoppage time, but Spain’s goalkeeper, Cata Coll, thwarted her effort. With this defeat and Japan’s 2-1 victory over Brazil earlier, the Super Falcons are the only team in Group C without a win.
To advance, Nigeria must win their final group match against Japan and hope for favourable results in the other fixtures or secure one of the two best losers’ spots to progress to the next round.
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