Nigeria's progression beyond the group stage in the women's basketball tournament at the Paris Olympics came as a shock. A victory against the United States in the quarterfinals on Wednesday would be nothing short of an Olympic miracle. D'Tigress has already etched its name in history in Paris, becoming the first African team, men's or women's, to advance to the last eight in Olympic basketball. Ending the United States' 58-match winning streak and their quest for a seventh consecutive gold medal would rank among the greatest upsets in sports history.
"You can achieve difficult tasks," remarked Nigerian guard Amy Okonkwo. "You can accomplish anything you set your mind to, regardless of where you were born or where you come from. You can do it." Nigeria might bring immense enthusiasm and belief to the Bercy arena on Wednesday, but they will require much more to overcome the formidable Americans, who have won all five previous encounters, including a 100-46 victory in an Olympic qualifying event in February. Led by Breanna Stewart and A'ja Wilson, who average 20.3 points per game, the US leads the tournament in scoring and rebounds, although their three-point shooting and intensity have been underwhelming. Nevertheless, the Americans possess depth unmatched by any other team and experience led by Diana Taurasi, who is vying for a sixth Olympic gold medal.
"We're not the USA, the dynasty, without it," said US coach Chery Reeve. "I believe it's what defines the dynasty, the depth of talent that the USA possesses." Nigeria relies on Ezinne Kalu, who averages 19.3 points per game, for scoring. However, the team's success is built on a robust team defense that leads the tournament in steals. The other quarterfinal matchups will feature host France against Germany, Serbia versus Australia, and Spain facing Belgium. With the action moving from Lille, where the group matches were held, to the grand stage in Paris, the French women will hope for a turbo-charged boost from the home crowd to propel them back onto the Olympic podium after securing bronze in Tokyo. But Germany has impressed in their Olympic debut and is eager to continue their run at the expense of France. Spain finished group play unbeaten, but two of their victories were narrow one-point decisions over China and Puerto Rico. They now face a Belgium squad led by the Olympic tournament's leading scorer Emma Meesseman, who averages 26.3 points per game. Australia appeared at risk of an early exit after losing their group opener to Nigeria, but rebounded with wins over Canada and France, carrying that momentum into their clash with Serbia, which is aiming to reach the final four for the third consecutive Games.
