Nigeria’s Sports Minister, John Enoh, has commended the country’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, for their remarkable performance at the 2024 Olympics, despite their journey ending in the quarterfinals.
The team made history as the first African nation to advance to the quarterfinals in women’s basketball at the Olympics.
D’Tigress had an impressive group stage showing, securing victories against Australia and Canada, though they narrowly lost to the host nation, France.
Their performance earned them a place in the quarterfinals, where they faced the top-ranked United States team.
Despite a strong and spirited effort, D’Tigress fell short, with a final score of 74-88.
Minister Enoh took to social media to praise the team’s efforts, stating that their historic achievement brought pride to the nation.
“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,” he wrote.
“The first African team ever to get to the quarterfinals, they have moved four ranks up on the power ranking table. We are proud of them. Their games have been spectacular.”
Enoh also recognised the accomplishments of other Nigerian athletes at the Olympics, including cyclist Ese Ukpeseraye, who was the only African representative in her event, Uchenna Ogazi, who reached the finals of the men’s 400m race after 36 years, and Favour Ofili, who competed in the women’s 200m final.
The minister urged Nigerians to continue supporting their athletes as the competition progresses.
As of now, Team Nigeria has yet to secure a medal at the 2024 Olympics.
