Nigeria has advanced to the quarterfinals, making history as the first African team to reach this stage at the Olympics. They will face the seven-time defending champion U.S. in Paris on Wednesday. The draw for the Olympic women’s basketball tournament was announced late on Sunday night. The other quarterfinal matchups include Spain versus Belgium, France versus Germany, and Serbia versus Australia. The winners of Spain-Belgium and France-Germany will face each other in the semifinals on Friday, while the winner of Nigeria-U.S. game will play against the victor of the Serbia-Australia match.
Nigeria has become the first African country to qualify for the elimination round in either the men’s or women’s basketball event at the Olympics. The team is excited to be heading to Paris. “We are looking forward to seeing the Eiffel Tower, trying out croissants, and enjoying more food,” said Ezinne Kalu, who led Nigeria with 21 points in their victory over Canada on Sunday. “Although the village has been great, it’s only about basketball there. So it will be amazing to go to Paris and witness athletes from different countries competing in their respective sports. Being the only African team in the basketball event is truly special for us. We will not take this opportunity for granted.”
The U.S. has consistently made it to the quarterfinals at the Olympics and currently holds a record 58-game winning streak. Nigeria had the seventh best record among the eight qualifying teams, but they were unable to face Belgium as they were in the same pool. “I am just happy that we have made it through. We now have the chance to keep playing,” said Australia coach Sandy Brondello. When asked about their upcoming quarterfinal opponent, she added, “It doesn’t matter who we face, as long as it’s not the USA.” Unfortunately, Canada, Japan, China, and Puerto Rico did not make it to the next round in Paris.
