Paris 2024: Nigeria upset Australia in opener

Nigeria - Australia 75-62

Nigeria claimed the win at the start of their 2024 Paris Olympic Games campaign. They surprised heavy favorites Australia in Group B action. Ezinne Kalu (173-G-1992, college: SSU) scored 19 points to lead the African team.
The teams went neck and neck throughout the first period. Nigeria eked out an 18-17 lead after ten minutes. The African powerhouse made a run in the second term. Nigeria sank 23 points to open a comfortable 41-28 halftime advantage. Australia stopped the rot in the third term. The Opals pulled within 4 points at the final break 47-51. Steph Talbot put Australia within three points early in the fourth frame. Alanna Smith (193-F-1996, college: Stanford) then made it 56-58 with just over six minutes remaining. But Nigeria responded with 7 points in a row to retake a 9-point lead. Ezinne Kalu stretched the margin to double digits with just over a minute remaining and Nigeria marched to the win. Promise Amukamara (173-G-1993, college: Arizona St.) notched 14 points, 9 assists and 6 rebounds for the winners. Alanna Smith replied with 15 points for Australia. Samantha Whitcomb (178-G-1988, college: Washington) had 13 points in the losing case.