D’Tigress player Ezinne Kalu has said young players in Nigeria and Africa can be inspired by the feat of the Nigeria women’s basketball team at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games as well as the stories of individual players like her as they aspire to reach the height of the game, according to a source.
Kalu played a key role in the D’Tigress historic run at the Games, where they became the first African team to reach the quarterfinals of the event at the Olympics.
The D’Tigress bowed out against perennial Olympic champions, the USA, losing by just 88-74 points.
“I’m super proud of me. The sky is the limit. I just want to continue to work. My girls will also continue to work, stay healthy, and shine, and I’m just praying that we all just be ready for Los Angeles 2028,” the 32-year-old said.
When asked about her words for kids in Africa, Kalu said, “Keep dreaming, keep going, stay dedicated, and whatever your dreams are, keep working every day and try to focus and achieve them.
“I am a living testimony; I’ve been through so many injuries—ACL, PCL, shoulder—just keep on living and don’t let anybody tell you that your dreams are not worth fighting for.”
Kalu and her teammates stunned Australia 75-62 in their first game before losing 75-54 against France. They rounded off their group stage campaign with a 79-70 win against Canada and made history by advancing to the quarterfinals.
She also hopes their feat will also stimulate the growth of the game in Nigeria and Africa.
“There hasn’t been attention on Africa or even women’s basketball generally. The eyes are on Africa now, and I’m just looking forward to the development of the young girls and young boys back home. I look forward to what’s going to happen next.”
Olaitan Ibrahim