Nigeria’s Promise Amukamara Set to Face Team USA in Olympic Basketball Quarterfinals on Wednesday

Nigeria’s women’s basketball team called “D’tigress” will face Team USA in the quarterfinals on Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. ET. The spotlight will be on Promise Amukamara, whose performance has been pivotal in Nigeria’s journey to the Olympic quarterfinals.

This highly anticipated match follows D’Tigress’ previous encounter in the Olympic qualifying tournament, where the USA dominated with a 100-46 victory. Amukamara and her teammates are determined to deliver a strong performance, aiming to challenge the favorites and continue their impressive Olympic run.

Promise Amukamara, who has become a force to reckon with as a key player for the Nigerian women’s basketball team, is making waves at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Averaging 10.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 6.7 assists per game, Amukamara has been instrumental in Nigeria’s journey to the quarterfinals. Her performance was crucial in their victory over the highly-rated Canadian team, securing their spot in the tournament’s next stage.

Born on June 22, 1993, in New Jersey, Amukamara’s roots trace back to Nigeria. She grew up in Glendale, Arizona, attending Apollo High School before moving on to Arizona State University. Amukamara comes from an athletic family, with her brother Prince Amukamara being a former NFL player and Super Bowl champion. At Arizona State, she showcased her talent on the basketball court, setting the stage for her professional career.

Amukamara’s upbringing in the United States was marked by her experiences in a predominantly Mexican and Caucasian community. In a conversation with NBC Sports, she recalled the rarity of encountering fellow Nigerians outside of family gatherings. These cultural experiences deeply influenced her, shaping her connection to her heritage and her eventual decision to represent Nigeria on the international stage.

Despite being drafted by the Phoenix Mercury in the 2015 WNBA draft, Amukamara’s professional journey took her to Europe, where she currently plays for Charnay BB in France’s Ligue Féminine de Basketball. Standing at 5-foot-9, she has built a reputation as a formidable point guard. Her choice to represent Nigeria over the USA stemmed from a profound sense of pride in her heritage and a desire to honor her parents’ legacy.