D’Tigress: Rookies at Tokyo Olympics, record breakers in Paris

By Gowon Akpodonor and Ifeanyi Ibeh

Three years ago, at the Tokyo Olympics, the Nigeria women’s national basketball team, D’Tigress, could not secure any victory, losing all their three group games to France, USA, and Japan. Despite these losses, they were recognised as one of the most promising and entertaining squads at the Games after thrilling the world by displaying resilience in very tough situations.

However, their journey at the Paris 2024 Olympics was a stark contrast, marked by historic achievements and groundbreaking performances. At the opening ceremony, D’Tigress faced internal turmoil, missing the boat parade with other members of Team Nigeria due to factional bickering among officials.

But like true soldiers determined to conquer amidst hatred and confusion, they had a dream start to their Paris 2024 campaign, securing their first-ever victory at the Games. Their 75-62 win over World No. 3 rated Australia in their group opener at the Pierre Mauroy Stadium in Lille, France, sent a strong message to their competitors.

INSPIRATIONAL LEADERSHIP

Led by team captain Amy Okonkwo, who claimed MVP honours at the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket 2023, D’Tigress quickly became the most sought-after basketball team at the Paris Olympics. Ezinne Kalu, returning to represent Nigeria since the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, was on fire with 19 points, five rebounds, five assists, and three steals against Australia, proving too difficult for the opponents.

Despite losing their second group game to the host country, France, D’Tigress bounced back in their third match against Canada. There, they made history by tearing up the script in a massive way to become the first-ever African team (women or men) to advance to the quarterfinals in the Olympics. Under the leadership of Coach Rena Wakama, who had been head coach for barely a year, they shot down Canada 79-70 in their final group game, thrilling Nigerians and basketball lovers across the globe.

Kalu was again the hero, registering 21 points, while Elizabeth Balogun stepped up with 14 points, four rebounds, and three assists—Balogun’s best game in memory. Their rugged defence, which had lapsed in their game against France, was back, and they punished the Canadian errors with an incredible 27 points from turnovers.

Following this victory in the group phase, the World Basketball governing body FIBA named D’Tigress’ Murjanatu Musa among the three unsung heroes at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Noting her rugged defence and contributions on both ends of the court, FIBA explained that Musa “has been central to D’Tigress’ record-breaking exploits.”

‘RECORD-BREAKING EXPLOITS’

FIBA said the competition is not just about the MVPs and All-Star Five contenders. The basketball governing body said there are players “whose contributions are in need of some love and attention.”

“Nigeria’s progress was based on their rugged defence and nose for contesting shots, putting their bodies on the line and generally delivering on D’Tigress mantra of being warriors. That is something that Musa has shown an appetite and adeptness for,” FIBA wrote.

READ MORE: Paris Olympics: Tinubu congratulates D’Tigress on historic feat

“But don’t be fooled into thinking that it is only about the muscle and the hustle. Musa has got game and has put numbers up too. They might not be spectacular, but they are digits that have underpinned Nigeria’s meteoric accomplishments so far.

“Musa is the second highest scorer on the team with 10.7 points per game, as well as being the leading rebounder with an average of 6.7 boards. Third in efficiency too, there has been a lot to admire about her work so far and she deserves to have her name put up in lights.”

Even before their quarter-final clash against the USA, many followers believed D’Tigress had already punched above their weight and could exit the battlefront satisfied.

The match, dubbed the “final before the final,” was significant as Nigeria had lost 0-5 against the dominant USA in head-to-head clashes before the quarter-final clash on Wednesday. At the time, the Americans had won eleven medals—nine gold, one silver, and one bronze—in women’s basketball at the Olympics since 1984.

Despite the odds, Nigerians were hopeful that D’Tigress could rewrite history and secure a semifinal spot. But it was not meant to be as the team lost 88-74 to the Americans.

ROAD TO PARIS

D’Tigress’ journey to the Paris 2024 Olympics was marked by hard work and a series of impressive performances. The team clinched their Olympic berth by winning the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Championship, showcasing their dominance in African women’s basketball. Their victory at the AfroBasket tournament was the crowning of their strategic gameplay and robust defence, trademarks that have become synonymous with the team.

Coach Rena Wakama’s leadership has been pivotal in transforming D’Tigress into a competitive force on the global stage. Her strategic acumen and motivational skills empowered the team to believe in their potential and perform at their best. Wakama, a former player, transitioned into coaching, bringing with her a strong emphasis on discipline, hard work, and tactical innovation that has been instrumental in D’Tigress’ success.

The road to Paris was not without challenges. The team had to navigate rigorous qualifying rounds, facing tough opponents from across the continent. Their success can be attributed to a combination of tactical excellence, physical prowess, and an indomitable spirit.

In Paris, their campaign began with a stunning victory over Australia, marking Nigeria’s first Olympic victory since 2004. This set the tone for their subsequent performances. In their second game, despite losing to France, Kalu’s impressive performance with 18 points was a testament to her skill and resilience.

The historic victory over Canada, where D’Tigress made a remarkable comeback with an 11-0 run in the third quarter, firmly established them as a force to be reckoned with. Kalu’s quick footwork and sharp shooting, along with Okonkwo’s defensive prowess and scoring ability, were critical. Elizabeth Balogun’s all-around performance also significantly contributed to their success.

D’Tigress’ rise to prominence is not an overnight success but the result of years of dedication and hard work. Their previous Olympic appearances in 2004 and 2020, along with regular AfroBasket campaigns, laid the groundwork for their recent achievements. Their performance at global championships, including the FIBA Women’s World Cup, has also contributed to their growth and confidence.

‘THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT’

The 2024 Olympics has marked a turning point for Nigerian basketball, inspiring a new generation of athletes and positioning Nigeria as a formidable contender in women’s basketball. Their campaign at the Olympics has not only elevated Nigerian basketball but also brought pride to Africa, sparking increased interest and investment in women’s sports in Nigeria.

The team’s success story is built on perseverance, teamwork, and relentless pursuit of excellence. Their achievements have redefined African basketball, proving that with the right mix of talent and leadership, African teams can compete and succeed on the global stage. Their story underscores the importance of investing in women’s sports and creating opportunities for female athletes to excel.

As D’Tigress and Coach Wakama prepare for their next challenge, the world watches in anticipation, inspired by their incredible journey and the promise of even greater accomplishments to come.

“The future is bright but we’ve got to invest in us. We have to give these girls all the resources and the support for them to be able to get to the podium and get a medal,” said the D’Tigress coach after Nigeria’s final match against the USA.

“We are capable of it, we have the talent, everyone on the team is Nigerian we didn’t have to go get anybody from outside we like other teams we all Nigerian-born and raised we have to invest in the future, invest in sports.”