NAIJA NO DEY CARRY LAST!!!!
Nigeria just made history at the 2024 Paris Olympics as the first African country in men’s or women’s basketball to ever reach the Olympic quarter-finals, ESPN reports. Nigeria’s women’s basketball team eliminated Canada from the Olympics, clinching a 79-70 victory this past weekend. The team erupted in celebration after their win, running around the court waving Nigerian flags.
“It means a lot, you know, not just to us as a team, but to the entire world of Africa. It only gets harder from here, said player Ezinne Kalu.
Kalu scored 21 points in the game, helping to lead the team to victory. Nigeria’s assistant coach also got in on the fun, grabbing a flag from a fan to take photos on the court.
“Surreal. This isn’t going to hit me for another couple of hours. I’m extremely proud of my girls,” said coach Rena Wakama.
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This was the Nigeria women’s team’s second Olympic win, previously beating Australia, the first Olympic win for the African country in 20 years. It was a bright spot in a rather rocky Olympic start, the women’s team denied access to Nigeria’s boat for the opening ceremony due to capacity issues.
“I’m starting to see the light. I mean, the tunnel has been pretty dark, but I’m happy we get to see the light. I mean, there’s so much more, there’s so much more to come,” added Kalu.
Nigeria’s women’s basketball team will face off against Team USA, the defending Olympic champions, this Wednesday.
Cover photo: Nigeria Makes History as First African Basketball Team to Reach Olympic Quarter-Finals/Photo credit: Mark J. Terrill/Associated Press