Nigeria’s D’Tigress have stunned the basketball world at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games after securing a 75-62 points win over highly-ranked Australia in the opening Group B game in the women’s basketball event.

The Nigerian ladies were the clear underdogs going into the tie against the Opals, having lost all their three preparatory games coming into the tournament, but did the near-impossible to secure the country’s first win at any event in the Paris Games. 

Nigeria led Australia by 13 points at halftime after winning the first quarter by 18-17 points and the second quarter by 23-11 points. But Nigeria lost balance in the third quarter as Australia took a 10-19 point win before regaining their momentum in the last quarter to dominate by 24-15 points.

D’Tigress’ impressive defensive play, coupled with Ezinne Kanu’s 19 points, making four three-pointers from six attempts and five assists — and Promise Amukamara’s 14 points — 10 of which were from her 10 free throws attempted alongside nine assists powered Nigeria to victory. 

The four-time consecutive African champions will face France in their next group game on Thursday, while their last group game will be against Canada two days later on Sunday.