The back-to-back Afrobasket champions shocked Canada 79-70 in Lille, France to book a slot in the quater finals. This makes them the first African team (male or female) to reach the quarterfinals of any Olympic Games.


Nigeria tied 18-18 in the first quarter, lost the second by just four points 23-19, won the third with as much as 18 points and lost the fourth quarter with mere five points (18-18, 23-19, 5-23 and 24-19).

Also winning two games for the first time at the Olympics, the manner of the victory was also impressive as they condemned winless Canada to an early trip home.


Expectedly, it was the usual suspect, Ezinne Kalu, who played a huge influential role in the victory, pulling the strings in the backcourt. She registered 21 points, while Elizabeth Balogun chose a great time to have her best game in memory as she stepped up with 14 points, three rebounds and three assists.