Following an intense battle at the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Antwerp, Belgium, the Nigerian women’s basketball team has clinched a coveted quota for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Despite facing a formidable opponent in the final game, where they fell to Belgium with a score of 78-61, Nigeria’s victory over Senegal earlier in the tournament secured their passage to the Olympics.
“We’ll put a team together, and we’ll fight. We’ll fight as good as we can and show our mentality and a warrior spirit,” expressed Nigerian coach, Rena Wakama, reflecting on the team’s journey to securing their Olympic quota.
This will mark the third appearance of Nigerian women’s basketball at the Olympics, following their previous outings in 2004 and 2020, where they finished in 11th place on both occasions. However, with their eyes set on Paris 2024, Nigeria is determined to make a lasting impression and build a legacy for women’s basketball in the country.
“The goal is always to win. The goal is to win, to prepare, to win. Whoever we face, continue to use the word dauntless, and we continue to embody that word as a team and show that on the court as well. And not just for a couple of glimpses, but for a whole 40 minutes.” — Amy Okonkwo, a former team member in 2020.
As they gear up for the Paris Games, the Nigerian women’s basketball team remains steadfast in their pursuit of victory, ready to showcase their skill, determination, and dauntless spirit on the Olympic stage.
