Nigeria Women’s Basketball Team. African sports news. After winning their first Olympic game since 2004 by upsetting Australia 75-62 on July 29, Nigeria’s women’s basketball team beat Canada 79-70 on Sunday, August 4, to advance to the quarterfinals for the first time ever at Paris 2024.
Canada will finish last in Group B and will not advance. Ezinne Kalu led Nigeria with 21 points, while Shay Colley led Canada with 17 points.
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The first half was close, with Canada taking a four-point lead into halftime. However, Nigeria applied intense pressure in the second half, outscoring Canada 23-5 in the third quarter and opening an eight-point lead. By the middle of the fourth quarter, Nigeria’s lead had grown to 17 points, securing their victory.
Nigeria shot 45% from the field and 38% from three-point range, while their defense held Canada to just 37% shooting and 5-26 from long distance. Nigeria forced 26 Canadian turnovers, converting them into 27 points, and had 16 steals.
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Free throw shooting also played a significant role. Canada made 15 of 22 attempts, while Nigeria made 14 of 17. The combination of turnovers, missed free throws, and poor shooting led to Canada’s defeat, ending their run at Paris 2024 winless.
Nigeria’s defense has been their strength, forcing 69 turnovers, including 40 steals, over three group play games. They now await their first-ever Olympic quarterfinal opponent.