The United States, having claimed the gold medal at the previous Olympics, will face an unprecedented Nigerian team in the quarter-finals of the women’s basketball tournament at the Paris Olympics on Wednesday. The highly anticipated matchup was determined during the draw on Sunday.
Nigeria is the first African nation to ever reach the last eight of an Olympic basketball tournament, both in the men’s and women’s events. Nigeria secured their place by defeating Canada 79-70 on Sunday, while the United States prevailed over Germany 87-68 thanks to 19 points from Jackie Young and 14 points from A’ja Wilson.
The host nation, France, the bronze medallists from the Tokyo Games three years ago, will play against Germany, while Spain will take on Belgium. The knockout stages of the men’s and women’s basketball tournaments will be held in Paris, following the group stage competitions that took place near the northern city of Lille.
