USA vs Nigeria Women's Basketball - Tokyo 2021 Olympic Showdown

The USA vs. Nigeria women's basketball match is set to light up the court on July 27, 2021, at 12:40 PM, as both teams go head-to-head in the Tokyo Olympics. Team USA enters the competition as the number one ranked women’s team in the world, while Nigeria, ranked 17th, aims to defy expectations in this group-stage match.

USA Women's Basketball Team - Dominance with Depth

Team USA is synonymous with excellence in Olympic women’s basketball. Ranked #1 by FIBA, the American women are looking to continue their six-time Olympic gold medal streak.

In their warm-up games, they experienced a shaky start:

Lost 85-93 to the WNBA All-Stars
Narrow defeat 67-70 to Australia
Bounced back with a strong 93-62 win over Nigeria

That final warm-up showed their real form. A’ja Wilson led with 16 points and 10 rebounds; Breanna Stewart added 14 points and 6 assists, while Sylvia Fowles and Brittney Griner both chipped in with solid performances. Veteran Sue Bird, playing in her fifth Olympics at age 40, had 9 points and 5 assists and continues to be the team’s floor general.

The USA team brings unmatched depth, with every player capable of contributing on both ends of the floor. Their rebounding, shooting, and defensive pressure are key strengths heading into this game.

Nigeria Women’s Basketball - Grit and Determination

The Nigerian women’s basketball team comes into the tournament ranked 17th by FIBA. They’ve made significant progress in recent years and are seen as one of the top teams from Africa.

However, their Olympic preparation has been tough, finishing with 1 win and 4 losses in warm-up matches. Their only win came against Serbia (59-56). In the warm-up against the U.S., Nigeria fell short, losing 93-62, and no player reached double-digit points.

Ibekwe led with 8 points, while Elizabeth Williams and Ezinne Kalu were limited in scoring. The team has struggled offensively, averaging below 65 points in their last five games.

While the Nigerian side is athletic and aggressive on defense, they will need to find consistent scoring if they hope to hang with the dominant Americans.

What to Watch

Sue Bird, the 40-year-old legend, begins her fifth Olympic run. Her leadership and court vision remain unmatched.
Can Nigeria improve their offensive output and slow down the fast-paced American attack?
Will the U.S. maintain their winning streak against Nigeria, having won the last five encounters, including a 31-point victory in the 2018 Women’s Basketball World Cup?

Prediction: USA vs Nigeria Women’s Basketball

Given their superior depth, international experience, and the recent 93-62 victory in warm-ups, Team USA is heavily favored to win this matchup. Nigeria has heart and hustle but will need a near-perfect game to challenge the reigning Olympic champions.

Prediction: USA wins by 25+ points

Source: EasyWin Nigeria