D’Tigress had earlier beaten world number three, Australia and lost to the host, France
By Kehinde Okeowo
D’Tigress on Sunday qualified for the quarterfinal of women’s basketball event at the Paris Olympics after defeating world No.5 ranked team, Canada.
They defeated Canada 79-70 in their final group game at the Pierre Mauroy Stadium in Lille, France.
They had earlier beaten world number 3, Australia and lost to the host, France before seeing off the North Americans.
The victory earned D’Tigress their first-ever appearance in the quarter-final of an Olympics basketball tournament.
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D’Tigress arrived for the Summer Games as the lowest-ranked team(12th), but have now reached the last eight of the tournament after two major upsets.
Before the game, Nigeria coach, Rene Wakama had said she was setting her eyes on nothing but victory against Canada.
Speaking ahead of the encounter she said, “While we are disappointed with the result against France, we are motivated to put in a strong performance against Canada.
“A win will ensure our place in the next round.”
