The women’s 5×5 basketball competition has started, with Group A action commencing on Sunday, July 28. All four Group B teams will begin playing on Monday, July 29. The first game will be Nigeria vs. Australia at 5:00 a.m. ET, followed by Canada vs. France at 11:15 a.m. ET. Both games will be streamable on Peacock and nbcolympics.com.
Australia looks to establish dominance
In the initial Group B game, Australia aims to begin the Olympic games with a comfortable win. They have players like Tess Madgen, Ezi Magbegor, Steph Talbot, and Alanna Smith with WNBA experience leading the team. If Australia lives up to their potential, they should have a straightforward victory against Nigeria.
Nigeria faces a tough task in this matchup and in this group. They have had challenging losses in exhibition games leading up to the Olympics and lack support from the Nigeria Olympic Committee and Nigeria Basketball Federation. They will look to make a statement with their performance starting on Monday.
Canadian hardware on the way?
Canada boasts a roster filled with top-tier talent, including players like Kayla Alexander and Aaliyah Edwards. Although Canada has never medaled in women’s basketball, this might be the opportunity for a breakthrough.
To start off strong, they will need to outmatch a formidable opponent in France. France’s strong homecourt advantage gives them a significant role in determining the medalists in Paris.
Anticipated to be a closely-contested game, both teams are evenly matched. With limited group games, each matchup holds importance, with the winner gaining crucial points against a tough adversary.
Game information
Nigeria vs. Australia
When: Monday, July 29 at 5:00 a.m. ET
Where: Pierre Mauroy Stadium in Villeneuve-d’Ascq, France
How to watch: Peacock, nbcolympics.com
Nigeria injury report: none
Australia injury report: none
Canada vs. France
When: Monday, July 29 at 11:15 a.m. ET.
Where: Pierre Mauroy Stadium in Villeneuve-d’Ascq, France
How to watch: Peacock, nbcolympics.com
Canada injury report: none
France injury report: none
