Canada has been eliminated from the women’s basketball tournament at the Paris Olympics after a 79-70 loss to Nigeria on Sunday in Lille, France.
The Canadian team failed to win any of their three preliminary round games, finishing last in a group that included France and Australia.
Shay Colley led Canada with 17 points, but the team struggled with 26 turnovers.
Nigeria, with a 2-1 record, received 21 points from Ezinne Kalu and 14 from Elizabeth Balogun. The Nigerians dominated early, forcing turnovers and taking a 10-2 lead midway through the first quarter. They went on a 15-0 run early in the third quarter, effectively sealing the game.
Captain Amy Okonkwo injured her right shoulder early in the second quarter after colliding with Canada’s Aaliyah Edwards. Despite the injury, Okonkwo returned for the third quarter, during which Nigeria outscored Canada 23-5, turning a 41-37 halftime deficit into a 60-46 lead by the end of the third quarter.
Ranked fifth in the world, Canada entered the tournament as a podium contender.
Nigeria, which doubled its number of wins in pool play compared to previous Olympic appearances, awaits its semifinal opponent. This marks their best Olympic performance since their first appearance at the 2004 Athens Games.
Five countries secured quarterfinal spots on Sunday: the United States, Spain, Serbia, France, and Germany. The quarterfinal draw will follow the final group game between Australia and France.
Nigeria did not qualify for the 2016 Rio Games and went winless in Tokyo. This team was also denied access to Nigeria’s boat for the opening ceremony on July 26. They will now play on Wednesday at Bercy Arena on the banks of the Seine.
