Nigeria’s senior women basketball team, D’Tigress, lost 62-87 to France in their second Preliminary Round Group B fixture at the ongoing Tokyo Olympic Games.
Nigeria, after holding tight with France in the first quarter, trailing only 18-12, went to sleep in the second quarter with France outscoring them 26-15 to take a 44-27 lead at the break.
The third quarter ended 23-15 in favour of the French women. In the final quarter, France played conservatively to preserve their lead, finishing the round in a 20-20 tie.
The loss is D’Tigress’ second consecutive defeat at the Tokyo Olympics after losing the first game against the U.S.A by just nine points.
Alix Duchet, Gabby Williams, Endene Miyem and Marine Johannes each scored 13 points, as five of France’s players reached double figures.
The Nigerian team was trying to win its first Olympic basketball game since 2004 when it went 1-5 in Greece. No team from Africa has won a game since.
D’Tigress will face Japan, who have also lost their two games, in their final group match on Monday.
