“It’s been everything. It’s a movement man for Nigeria and for Africa,” Nigeria coach Rena Wakama said. “I’ve been saying all this whole time we have so much talent. And I hope the world can see what we’re capable of doing if we invest in ourselves, invest in the youth in Africa, invest in sports we’re capable of being at the highest level.”
With this being the U.S. team’s first game in Paris, the contest drew some fellow Olympians including men’s team players LeBron James, Bam Adebayo and Devin Booker as well as American swimming greats Michael Phelps and Katie Ledecky. Members of the U.S. rowing team also were in attendance.
Taurasi and other U.S. players gave hugs to Phelps after the game.
“Yeah, that’s my boy. Our kids go to the same school. They’re in the same class. You know, it’s funny, (wife) Penny (Taylor) and I were taking Leo to class one day and we’re like, oh, we’re going to be the only gold medalist,” Taurasi said. “Show and tell. I’m going to bring my five gold medals. And we look back and Michael’s bringing in his little son into the same class and me and Penny just laughed. We spend a lot of time with them at school and for him to come and support, you know, he’s a legend.”
————
UNITED STATES 88, NIGERIA 74
USA (88) — A. Thomas 1-1 1-4 3, A. Wilson 9-11 2-2 20, B. Griner 4-5 3-4 11, B. Stewart 5-7 1-2 13, K. Plum 2-3 0-0 6, J. Young 6-10 3-5 15, N. Collier 3-7 0-0 6, K. Copper 2-6 0-0 5, D. Taurasi 1-4 0-0 3, J. Loyd 1-6 1-1 3, S. Ionescu 0-0 2-2 2, C. Gray 0-3 1-2 1. Totals 34-63 14-22 88.