The Women’s Basketball Team From Nigeria Advances To The Olympic Quarterfinals

Nigeria defeated Canada 79-70 on Sunday, with Ezinna Kalu scoring 21 points as the squad achieved Olympic history by becoming the first African team—male or female—to advance to the quarterfinals of the basketball competition.

The Nigerians(2-1) are currently awaiting word on their opponent. In pool play, they had already quadrupled the amount of victories for a nation that arrived in France seeking its first Olympic gold since the 2004 Athens Games.

An assistant coach took her phone and started recording the event as they made their way to midcourt to begin the celebration. After stopping to give the Canadians a high five, the Nigerians resumed their celebration with a midcourt huddle.

The Nigerians took their time enjoying the moment, hugging and posing for more pictures on the court after an assistant coach stole a flag from a spectator.

Fifth-ranked Canada has lost its last three games and is eliminated by a team rated twelve on the last day of group play in women’s basketball.

Five nations had already secured spots, with the United States attempting to capture a record eighth consecutive Olympic gold medal. Germany, France, Serbia, and Spain are the others. After Australia plays the host country, France, in the final match, a draw determines the quarterfinals.