D'Tigress head coach Rena Wakama, expressed her disappointment following Nigeria's elimination from the Paris 2024 Olympics women's basketball after a defeat to the United States.

The defending Olympic gold medalist, USA, defeated the African champions 88-74 despite the Nigerian women's impressive fourth quarter 26-12 win.

According to FIBA, D'Tigress became the first ever African team, male or female, to reach the Olympics quarter-final after beating Canada 79-70 in their final group game.

First ever African team (Men or Women) to play in #Olympics Quarter-Finals:

It's Nigeria! 🇳🇬#Paris2024 x #Basketball pic.twitter.com/pQCofpPXWq

— FIBA (@FIBA) August 4, 2024

Wakama sends message to Nigerians Although Coach Wakama appeared slightly disappointed to have been eliminated, she sent a message to Nigerians about the team's future in the mixed zone.

“The future is bright, but we have to invest in us, we have to give these girls other resources and support for them to be able to get to the podium. We're capable of it, we have the talent,” she told Sporty TV.

I spoke to Rena Wakama after tonight’s game.

✅ Wins against Australia & Canada.
✅ 1st African team to make the Quarter finals of the Olympic Basketball Event. #Paris2024

Thanks once again for making history with this team.

We can only get better with the right support. pic.twitter.com/KCxNSwqnVa

— Dr. Victor Ademola (@AdemolaVictorTv) August 7, 2024

“Everyone on the team is Nigerian, we didn't have to go get anybody from outside like other teams, we're all Nigerians born and raised, but we have to invest in the future, invest in sports.”

The team had an impressive campaign, beating world number three, Australia, world number five, Canada on their way to the knockout stage and standing up against the USA, holding them to their narrowest win.

Nigerians are proud of their efforts, and even though none of the country’s contingents for the Summer Games have won a medal, they appreciate those who have made an impact.