U.S Women’s Basketball Team Dominates Nigeria’s D’Tigress in the Olympic Quarterfinals

The Nigeria vs. USA Olympic basketball game took place at the Bercy Arena in Paris, France, on August 7, 2024. Despite being the underdogs, the Nigerian team, known for their physical playing style, showed no signs of intimidation against the dominant US team, matching them basket for basket in the early stages of the game. Nigeria kept the game close, trailing 31-27 early in the second quarter, but the US pulled away with a decisive 21-6 run to close the half.

A’ja Wilson led the US with a double-double, scoring 20 points and grabbing 11 rebounds, while Jackie Young contributed 15 points and Breanna Stewart added 13. The US team is on track to potentially break a record for most consecutive Olympic gold medals, currently held by the US men’s basketball team from 1936 to 1968.

Notable guests in attendance included NBA stars Lebron James and Bam Adebayo, as well as Olympic legends Michael Phelps and Katie Ledecky, who witnessed the intense battle between the two teams.

Diana Taurasi, aiming to make history with a sixth Olympic gold medal, sparked the US team with a three-pointer off the bench, stretching their lead to 24-12 late in the first quarter. Although Nigeria’s Promise Amukamara responded with a steal and layup to narrow the gap, the Americans consistently countered each Nigerian surge with a scoring run of their own.

A 14-4 surge to close the half, capped by Breanna Stewart’s three-pointer and layup, gave the US a commanding 52-33 lead at halftime.

The US team dominated the third quarter, starting with a 10-0 run that extended their lead to 76-46. Promise Amukamara finally broke the drought with a steal and coast-to-coast layup to end the quarter. Although the Nigerians fought valiantly, the US’s superior firepower ultimately proved too much.

Despite the loss, the Nigerian team, led by Amukamara’s 19 points and Ezinne Kalu’s 16 points, received a standing ovation from the crowd as they exited the court, proud of their trailblazing achievement in Olympic basketball.

The U.S team will face Australian team in the semi finals on Friday