After a historic performance and victory vs. Canada, Nigeria became the first team from Africa to ever secure its spot in the Olympic Quarterfinals. The Nigerians came in having one win it their history in the Olympics back in 2004.
Ezinne Kalu pulled the strings in the historic victory with 21 points as Nigeria downed Canada 70-79. The Nigerians beat a team placed in the Top-5 of the FIBA Women Basketball rankings and advanced to the knockout stage to face Team USA.
Canada finished its 2024 Olympic presence with three losses in three games returning home early. Team USA will face Nigeria in the quarterfinals after concluding the preliminary phase with a 68-87 victory over Germany. Jackie Young led the way for the winners with 19 points.
Belgium needed to win against Japan with a huge margin of points and they did it thanks to Emma Messeman, who had 30 points and 11 points her team’s 85-58 victory over Japan. Japan was eliminated winless, while Belgium is set to play against Spain in the knockout round.
Australia pulled off a surprising 72-79 victory over France to make it to the quarterfinals, eliminating China from Group B of the tournament. Sami Whitcomb led the way with an all-around performance of 12 points, seven rebounds and five assists. France meets Germany in the quarterfinals, while Australia is set to play against Australia.
The quarterfinals are taking place on August, 7.
2024 Paris Olympics – Women’s Basketball Tournament Quarterfinals
Nigeria – USA
Germany – France
Serbia – Australia
Germany – France
