Heartbreak at the Olympics: Nigeria Fall to France 75-54 in Olympic Showdown!

Heartbreak at the Olympics: Nigeria Fall to France 75-54 in Olympic Showdown!

In a decisive encounter at the 2024 Paris Olympics, the Nigeria National Women's Basketball team was defeated by France with a final score of 75-54.

France started the game with a 5-2 lead. Nigeria's first points from open play came through Pallas Kunaiyi-Akpanah's impressive up-and-under post move, reducing the gap to 5-4. However, France responded with an 11-4 run, prompting an early timeout from Nigeria. France maintained control as the first quarter progressed, leading 17-8 with three minutes remaining. Promise Amukamara's mid-range jumper allowed Nigeria to reach double digits, making it 17-10. Iliana Rupert's three-pointer extended France's lead to 24-18, but Amukamara's driving layup closed the quarter on a positive note for Nigeria, scoring 24-20.

Nigeria's defence improved in the second quarter, holding France to 14 points. However, Nigeria's offensive struggles continued, limiting them to 11 points. The period began with back-to-back three-pointers from France's Marine Johannes and Nigeria's Amy Okonkwo, bringing the score to 27-23. Midway through the quarter, Alexia Chartereau's three-pointer for France countered an earlier basket by Ezinne Kalu, keeping Nigeria at bay with a 32-25 lead. Nigeria cut the lead to 2 points with 3:08 left, but France's 6-0 run extended their lead to 38-30 before Promise Amukamara made one of two free throws, concluding the half at 38-31.

The third quarter saw France assert dominance, scoring 16 points and restricting Nigeria to 8. Ezinne Kalu and Nicole Enabosi were the sole contributors for Nigeria in this quarter, as France extended their lead to 54-39 heading into the fourth.

France continued their offensive onslaught in the final quarter, adding 21 points— their second-highest quarter total. Despite scoring 15 points, Nigeria struggled with turnovers and inefficient shooting, allowing France to extend their lead to 22 points at 63-41 midway through the quarter. France closed out the game with a convincing 75-54 victory.

France's largest lead was 22 points, and their most significant scoring run was 6-0, matched only by Nigeria's similar run. Nigeria's three-point shooting was a dismal 21.4%, compared to France's 36%. Despite winning the offensive rebounding battle with 13, Nigeria couldn't capitalize on second-chance points, highlighting their stagnant offence. They managed only nine total team assists, reflecting their struggles with shot-making.

France's bench contributed 37 points, contrasting Nigeria's 9 points from their reserves. The game emphasized Nigeria's need to improve offensive fluidity and shot efficiency as they prepare for their next match in the group stage.

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[Photography Courtesy of The 2024 Paris Olympics]