The management of Zenith Bank Plc and Initiator of Mark D’ Ball Basketball Championship, Mr. Igoche Mark, have applauded the national women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, for the great feat achieved over their Australian counterparts in the group opening match of the ongoing Olympic Games.
D’Tigress caused one of the biggest shocks of the Paris 2024 Olympics on Monday morning with a 75-62 victory over Australia in the women’s basketball event.
Nigeria posted a spectacular 11-0 run to finish the first half with a 13-point cushion heading to the break.
Australia’s Opals, who were the big favourites to win, rallied in the third quarter and got to within two points of D’Tigress. But the Nigerians stayed resolute and finished strong in the fourth quarter to close out the famous win.
Group managing director of Zenith Bank, Adaora Umeoji, expressed delight over the amazing feat which has been tagged one of the greatest upsets in the history of the Olympic Games basketball event.
Umeoji noted that the bank was proud of the girls especially because it was a historic win by a team that is the ‘pet team’ of Zenith Bank.
“We are extremely proud of the ladies because they are challenging us as a body to do more for sports development in Nigeria.
“The victory over Australia was good and the Nigerian spirit was evident in the girls. We are charging them to go all out to achieve more at the ongoing games in Paris, France,” Umeoji said.
Igoche Mark, on his part, while reacting to the victory said the victory is for the entire country and urged the ladies to use the triumph against Australia as a springboard to greater heights and return home with an Olympic medal.
“Your victory today is not just a win on the court; it is a victory for the entire nation. This performance has demonstrated that you are a force to be reckoned with on the global stage. Use this victory as fuel to propel you forward, and set your sights on the ultimate prize – the Olympic Gold Medal. Embrace the challenge, and let nothing stand in your way.
“This triumph should not be seen as the end of your journey, but rather as a springboard to greater heights. A podium finish is within your grasp, and I have no doubt that you have the ability to bring home an Olympic medal. Onwards to the bull’s eye, D’Tigress,” Mark stated.
