Paris Olympics 2024: Nigeria defeat Australia in Women's Basketball after 20-year gap

On Monday, night Nigeria defeated Australia in 2004 and marked their first-ever place in the quarter-final. During the first half, Ezinne Kalu scored four three-pointers as she scored 19 points. Nigeria defeated Australia 75-62 in the group stage. During the 2016 Rio Olympics Nigeria didn’t qualify and in the Tokyo Olympics, they didn’t win any game.

The Australia coach was Sandy Brondello who is also the coach of the New York Liberty in the WNBA. Australia is ranked third in the world and Nigeria is 12^th ranked in the world. During the final seconds of the match in Pierre Mauroy stadium fans busted out with cheering Nigeria and the player's coach ran in midcourt as they hugged and celebrated the win.

Promise Amukamara scored 14 points for Nigeria. Amy Okonkwo scored 13 points, while Murjanatu Musa ended with 11. Before leaving the court, the Nigerians strolled over to their bench and waved to their fans.

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Four of the world's top six women's teams lost in the first round of group play, which finished Monday. China, rated second, defeated Spain in overtime in the pool play opener. Belgium, ranked sixth, and Canada, ranked fifth, both suffered losses.

The United States avoided the upset bug in the opening round of games as it chased a record ninth consecutive Olympic gold medal. The Americans defeated 2021 silver medallist Japan 102-76. Australia was without Bec Allen. She was injured during the pre-Olympic warmup match. Her place was taken by Amy Atwell in the squad and she scored the first six points.

Nigeria were leading by half-time

During the match, Nigeria got a lead by 24-22. By half-time, they were leading by 41-28. With 6:04 remaining, Alanna Smith's three-pointer pulled the Opals within two points, 58-56. That was the closest they would come. When Okonkwo ended a fast break with a layup with 50.1 seconds left, the Nigerians gathered with their arms up during an Australian timeout, knowing they were on the verge of a major win.

Smith led the Opals with 15 points. Sami Whitcomb contributed 13 points, while Jade Melbourne had 11. Australia went 8 of 18 from the free-throw line and committed 26 turnovers, allowing Nigeria to score 26 points.