D’TIGRESS of Nigeria have earned a spot in the Paris 2004 Olympic Games women’s basketball event even after a loss to the United States of America today in Antwerp, Belgium.
The African champions were beaten 100-46 by the USA in today’s first game at the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Antwerp, but a result in the second game was in Nigeria’s favour.
Belgium defeated Senegal 97-66 to help Nigeria’s cause, ensuring that D’Tigress qualify for the Games in Paris, France.
Senegal’s defeat to Belgium took the African team out of contention for the Olympic ticket.
Three tickets were available in Belgium and the hosts, Nigeria and world champions USA have secured them.
D’Tigress had defeated Senegal 72-65 in last night’s (Thursday) opening game, which was effectively a shootout for an Olympic spot between the African rivals, and that victory has proved to be enough for Nigeria.
“I am so incredibly proud of my team and I have special group. The game was not pretty, but they stuck together and they got it done,” D’Tigress head coach Rene Wakama had said after the tense win over Senegal.
“It was beautiful as a coach to see them come together and fight back when things were not going their way. This game felt like a Final because we knew what was at stake. But we only just got past this first road block.”
