By Roland Ike
Basketball fans in Ebonyi state are in a state of euphoria following the D’Tigress emphatic 75–62 points victory over Australia, in its first game at the ongoing Paris 2024 Olympic games.
The nation’s senior female basketball team beat the third highest ranked team in the world on Monday, to record Nigeria’s first win at the Olympics.
The respondents interviewed in Abakaliki hailed the girls’ resilience in achieving the feat despite the set back of not featuring at the games opening ceremony.
Kingsley Achu, Ebonyi Basketball Head Coach hailed the team for displaying the rich form it had exhibited all through the Olympic qualifiers and its test games.
“I specially praise Coach Reno Wakama for instilling the much needed tactical discipline in the team which made it dominate the whole quarters of the game.
“The girls led 18–17 after the first quarter; 23–11 after the second and despite a strong push by the Australians in the third, wrapped the final quarter 24–15.”
Chiamaka Amaefunah, a Basketball Instructor hailed the team’s fighting spirit despite the nervy moments of the final quarters.
“The players kept their nerves when the Australians surged for points as the game progressed.
“The calm disposition and resilience are tactical nuances of the coach who made the girls not to fear the Australians despite the high-ranking status.”
Chief Basil Ofor, a Timber Merchant and Basketball Buff urged the team not to be complacent as it has erased its underdog status with the victory.
“The D’Tigresss other opponents would be extra careful and determined when confronting it because the victory has brought world beaters tag on the players.
“The team should savour the euphoria of this heartwarming victory but prepare tenaciously for its next games.”
Tina Onwubiko, a Secondary School student and Basketball player congratulated the team and urged Nigerians to pray for it.
“I watched the game and was impressed with the way the girls asserted their authority on their higher-fancied opponents.
“We pray for the team’s overall success as its performance will make up-coming players like us dream of excelling at the highest levels.”
