Nigeria’s Sports Minister John Enoh has praised the performance of Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, despite their elimination from the 2024 Olympics. The team’s remarkable journey through the tournament, culminating in their historic quarter-final appearance, has been celebrated as a significant achievement.
During the group stage, the D’Tigress showed their strength by defeating Australia and Canada, although they suffered a narrow loss to the host nation, France. This performance secured their place in the quarter-finals, making Nigeria the first African country to reach this stage in women’s basketball at the Olympics.
In the quarter-finals, D’Tigress faced the formidable United States, the top-ranked team in women’s basketball. Despite a valiant effort, Nigeria fell short with a score of 74-88.
Following the team’s departure from the tournament, John Enoh took to his official X page to express his admiration. He wrote: “Our athletes are giving their best and making us proud. D’Tigress made the nation proud, and there’s no shame in losing to the world’s number 1 ranked team. They struck a high note and made a statement even at the quarterfinal match with 74 – 88. As the first African team to reach the quarter-finals, they have moved up four ranks on the power ranking table. We are proud of them. Their games have been spectacular.”
Enoh also acknowledged the impressive performances of other Nigerian athletes. Cyclist Ese Ukpeseraye, the only African among the 30 competitors, and Uchenna Ogazi, who reached the finals of the men’s 400m race for the first time in 36 years, were highlighted. Favour Ofili’s advancement to the women’s 200m final was also commended.
Enoh encouraged continued support for Nigerian athletes still competing, stating: “Ese Ukpeseraye was the only African cyclist amongst the 30 cyclists at the Olympics. Uchenna Ogazi, after 36 years, made the finals of the men’s 400m race, and Favour Ofili had a good run and has shown great dexterity. Let’s keep rooting for our athletes.”
As of now, Team Nigeria has not yet secured a medal at the 2024 Olympics, but their performances continue to inspire hope and pride.