Exploring the 2024 FIBA Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament: Can Basketball Powerhouses Nigeria and Senegal Secure a Coveted Spot at the 2024 Paris Olympics? Both teams face a rigorous journey against fierce international opponents, Belgium and the USA.
Last Updated on
February 8, 2024
Kendi Mwiti
Staff Writer
African champions Nigeria and silver medalists Senegal go to battle for a slot at this year's Paris Olympics.
The two sides have been pitted against European champs Belgium and holders USA for this FIBA Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament to be hosted in Antwerp, Belgium from today, 8th February. In Paris, the hopes of an entire continent will rest on at least one African country. The clash between these two sides could very well determine the outcome.
Nigeria, the four-time champions of Women’s AfroBasket, is the favourite after dominating the last four editions of the tournament, with its most recent victory in 2023. Adding to the drama, this matchup marks the very first game of the schedule in Antwerp and could come down to which team is better prepared and ready for the task ahead.
Senegal are not to be ignored even with recent history as they head to the championship powered by the indefatigable Africa Women’s Basketball League (AWBL) Most Valuable Player (MVP) Cierra Dillard who is making her second appearance for the Lionesses.
She will have her Alexandria Sporting Club teammates Yacine Diop and Fatou Diagne alongside other key players. As the two sides renew their rivalry in Belgium, Senegal, under the tutelage of Spaniard Carlos Alberto Antuna, who was in charge of Uganda Gazelles until October 2023, will seek revenge for their loss and aim for a slot in France.
The Spaniard faces off against Rema Wakama, who has established herself as one of the greats after leading Nigeria to their fourth AfroBasket title in 2023. This feat came despite a rough start to her tenure as the DTigresses head coach, which saw several of the national team’s veteran players opt out after her appointment.
The Nigerian team also boasts the 2023 Women’s AfroBasket MVP, Amy Okonkwo, who will be joined by Sarah Ogoke, Ifunaya Okoro, and Tomi Taiwo, among others.
USA is the favourite in the group, with the only expected resistance coming from the hosts. Having lifted the FIBA Women’s EuroBasket 2023 trophy, their first title in history, Belgium will now tests its global credentials against the best in the business. USA will have a strong lineup, but with the quality of Emma Meesseman, Julie Allemand, and Julie Vanloo, among others are ready to show the world that they belong.
[Photo Credit: FIBA]
