USA will take their familiar place in the last four of the competition. D’Tigress head home having sent positive shockwaves around the basketball world.
While it was business as usual for USA as they continue to bear down on yet another successful title defense, Nigeria bowed out of the competition as basketball heroes.They made history in so many ways and stepped off the court having been the first African team (men or women) to have even competed at this stage.
Turning pointThere wasn’t one in truth, USA just gradually used their talent and superior depth to slowly and steadily pull further and further clear. Only a late Nigeria flurry of points cut the margin to a more respectable level.
Game heroesA’ja Wilson had another game to remember, with the forward posting a performance efficiency valuation of 32 after producing 20 points from a 9 of 11 shooting effort – as well as grabbing 11 rebounds.Stats don’t lieUSA finishing with 70% shooting from two-point range is an epic number even for the defending Olympic champions.
Bottom LineUSA are looking like they are ready for their ‘medal’ games and completely locked in and on course for their usual success The forwards in particular are in good form and it will take something special to stop A’ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart and Brittney Griner – either in the Semi-Finals or the Final if they make it as expected.Nigeria have been sensational.
The underdogs attained historical and unprecedented success, winning the hearts of basketball fans not only in Africa, but beyond. Beating Australia and Canada showed their potential, while they didn’t let USA have it all their own way in this last outing.
Rene Wakama and her players have done an amazing job.They said”We’re feeling really good as we got a lot of great contributions from everyone. We had to make sure that we came out with the right mindset and mentality.
We knew how Nigeria played and we had to be ready for the physicality. It’s amazing to play in front of different fans whether it is here in Paris or in Lille at these Olympics. [The USA program] It’s the gold standard as we expect to go and win gold. We know that everything leading up to this was hugely important.
We know that we carry a lot because of those who have played before us.” USA forward, Breanna Stewart”This team is one of a kind. I am blessed to be a part of this team and this group. These girls never give up and they always keep fighting through any adversity.
We are going out, but I think we are not going out on any kind of negative note. I think we accomplished something big this year and we need to build on this for the future.” Nigeria forward, Pallas Kunaiyi Akpana
