Nigeria shocked the international basketball world as they got their Paris 2024 journey off to the best possible start.
Thanks to 19 points from Ezinne Kalu, Nigeria knocked off number three ranked Australia 72-65 for not only their first Olympic win in 20 years but perhaps the Games’ biggest upset in recent memory.
It put Group B on notice and made it a more wide-open pool even at this early stage. Hosts France took advantage by setting a record against Canada that wowed their home crowd in Lille.
Trailing 18-15 after the first quarter, the French put a lock on the Canadian basket to take a 38-20 lead at the half.
Indeed, France held Canada to just two points in a second period that thrilled the home audience. The hosts would comfortably win 75-54 thanks to Marieme Badiane’s 13 points. In fact, every French player that saw court time registered at least two points.
Team USA’s quest for an eighth consecutive gold medal got underway. And they did not disappoint as they breezed past the challenge of Japan 102-76, led by A’ja Wilson’s all-around masterclass of 24 points, 13 rebounds and four blocks in Group C.
In the other Group C game, Germany secured its first Olympic win with a deserved 83-69 victory over European champions Belgium.
The Sabally sisters stood tall against the mighty Belgians. Satou led the way with 17 points, and her sister Nyara added 16, but she had to depart before the end due to a heavy fall.
Photo: FIBA
