Paris Olympics: Nigeria’s D’Tigress brace for America’s quarter-final challenge 

Reigning champions the USA will face history-making Nigeria in the quarter-finals of the Paris Olympics women’s basketball competition on Wednesday, following the draw on Sunday.

The Nigerians are the first African nation ever to reach the last eight of an Olympic basketball tournament, men and women included.

They will have a tough task against the Americans, who have won the last seven titles.

Nigeria clinched their place by beating Canada 79-70 on Sunday, while the USA defeated Germany 87-68 thanks to 19 points from Jackie Young and 14 points from A’ja Wilson.

The encounter is the second Olympic face-off between the two teams.

At the Tokyo Games, D’Tigress suffered a narrow nine-point defeat to the Americans in their opening group game. They were also beaten in the 2024 Olympics qualifiers.

Host nations France, the bronze medallists three years ago at the Tokyo Games, play Germany while Spain take on Belgium.

The first match of the day on Wednesday pits Serbia against Australia.

The knockout stages of the men’s and women’s basketball tournament will be played in Paris after group play took place near the northern city of Lille.