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President of the Nigeria Olympians Association and board member of the Nigeria Basketball Federation, Olumide Oyedeji has commended the sterling qualities of the Nigeria women’s national basketball team, D’Tigress at the ongoing basketball event of the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Oyedeji, who is also an executive member of the Nigeria Olympics Committee while reacting to the elimination of D’Tigress in the hands of eight-time Olympic champions USA stated the the Nigeria women fought bravely to the excitement the African continent.
“In the history of Olympics, you’ve soared high, leaving your rivals in the dust in a blink of an eye. With fiery passion and unwavering might, you’ve achieved what many deem an impossible fight.
“Congratulations on your incredible feat. Your incredible Olympics achievement has brought tears of joy to all who have witnessed your triumph. The uplifting emotions of celebration are overshadowed by a melancholic realization that this is your final chapter, leaving us with a bittersweet ache in our hearts. May your future be filled with new endeavors, reminding us of the prowess we once cherished, and igniting hopes for a brighter tomorrow. We all love you. Go gallant , relentless Tigresses. You rock, trail blazers, pace setters queens,” Oyedeji wrote in his message to the women that their fairy tale came to an end after recording wins against 3rd Australia and Canada to reach the quarter-finals.
A’ja Wilson led the charge with 20 points, and Jackie Young contributed 15 points as the U.S. Women’s Basketball team defeated Nigeria 88-74 on Wednesday night in the Olympic quarterfinals.
This victory extends their remarkable winning streak to 59 consecutive Olympic games.
Promise Amukamara scored 19 points to lead Nigeria, followed by Amy Okonkwo with 17 and Ezinne Kalu with 16. The game attracted notable Olympians, including LeBron James, Bam Adebayo, Devin Booker, Michael Phelps, and Katie Ledecky.
The U.S. and Nigeria have faced off in previous encounters, including the Tokyo Olympics opener in 2021 and an Olympic qualifying tournament in February, both times resulting in U.S. victories. Wilson also contributed 11 rebounds, while Brittney Griner added 11 points off the bench.
