Nigeria Upsets Australia in Historic Olympic Basketball Win
- Nigeria's basketball team secured a surprising victory against Australia, featuring many prominent players, including WNBA stars.
- This win marks Nigeria's first success in Olympic basketball since 2004 despite lacking any WNBA players.
- The victory is seen as a significant achievement for Nigeria on the international sports stage.
VILLENEUVE-D’ASCQ, France — In a stunning turn of events at the Olympics, Nigeria's women's basketball team achieved a remarkable victory over Australia, winning 75-62. This victory marks Nigeria's first Olympic win since 2004, making it a significant milestone for the team. Despite being the second-lowest ranked team in the tournament, Nigeria's performance showcased their determination and skill, outshooting Australia with 68 attempts compared to Australia’s 57. Coach Wakama emphasized the team's physicality and toughness, which he believes played a crucial role in their success. Forward Elizabeth Balogun highlighted the importance of this win, stating that the team drew motivation from the 20-year gap since their last Olympic group play victory. The players aimed to establish a strong defensive identity, which was evident in their performance against a higher-ranked opponent. This victory is particularly noteworthy as it follows the South Sudan men's basketball team’s historic win over Puerto Rico, making both African teams in the tournament 2-0. The success of these teams is seen as a significant step in showcasing African talent on the global stage. Balogun expressed the team's commitment to making a mark in the tournament, stating, “We’re really trying to do our best to put ourselves on the map and show what Africa is capable of.” The win not only boosts Nigeria's morale but also highlights the growing competitiveness of African teams in international basketball.