'It was a disaster' - Lauren Jackson says Opals must bounce back after shock loss to Nigeria in Olympics opener

Benyam Kidane

'It was a disaster' - Lauren Jackson says Opals must bounce back after shock loss to Nigeria in Olympics opener image

The Australian Opals came into the 2024 Paris Olympics as the second-favourite for gold behind Team USA, but their campaign couldn't have gotten off to a worse start. 

Losing veteran sharp-shooter Bec Allen on the eve of the Games to a hamstring injury didn't help their cause, but facing Nigeria in their opening game, most expected the Aussies to cruise to victory. 

Someone forgot to tell Nigeria. 

The 2023 AfroBasket champions pulled off a major upset, securing a 75-62 win to go to the top of Group B, out-hustling the Opals at every turn as they held off the Aussies fourth-quarter rally which saw them get to within two points. 

MORE OLYMPICS COVERAGE: What events are at the Olympics tonight? | Australia's gold, silver, bronze medal count at Paris 2024 | How much are Australian Olympians paid? 

"It was not good, it was a disaster out there," Opals veteran Lauren Jackson said post-game.

"For us, we need to pick ourselves up, regroup, have a good look deep inside and go 'Right, how are we going to win this thing?'

"We have to get back on track otherwise it could be over in a flash." 

Nigeria vs Opals
(Getty Images)

While Nigeria seized their chances, the Opals made life tougher for themselves, committing a whopping 26 turnovers and converting just 8-of-18 at the free throw line. 

"Everything, really," Opals head coach Sandy Brondello said when asked what went wrong against Nigeria. 

"Turnovers, we couldn't handle any kind of pressure. 

"We weren't real quick learners, we kept doing the same thing over and over.

"Just couldn't make them (free throws). 

"S--- happens, but you've got to make free throws at this level."

MORE: Live updates, scores from Opals shock loss to Nigeria

Lauren Jackson becomes oldest ever Olympic basketball player

While the result didn't go the Opals way, Lauren Jackson added her name to the record books, becoming the oldest basketball player (men's or women's) to take the court at the Olympic Games at 43 years and 79 days old.

The previous record was held by Spain's Laia Palau who was 41 years and 332 days old at the Tokyo Olympics, while Brazilian guard Marcelinho Huertas holds the men's record at 41 years and 63 days, making his third Olympic appearance at Paris 2024.

Opals Paris Olympics schedule - Group B

The Opals face Canada and France in their remaining Group B games. 

DateGame/ResultTime (AEST)LocationTV Channel
July 29Nigeria 75, Australia 627:00 p.m.Pierre Mauroy StadiumNine/Stan Sport
August 1vs Canada9:30 p.m.Pierre Mauroy StadiumNine/Stan Sport
August 5vs France5:00 a.m.Pierre Mauroy StadiumNine/Stan Sport

Australian Opals women's basketball roster 2024

PlayerPositionTeam
Amy AtwellGPerth Lynx
Issy BorlaseGAdelaide Lightning
Cayla GeorgeF/CSydney Flames
Lauren JacksonF/CSouthside Flyers 
Tess MadgenGSydney Flames
Ezi MagbegorCSeattle Storm
Jade MelbourneGWashington Mystics
Alanna SmithFMinnesota Lynx
Steph TalbotFLos Angeles Sparks
Marianna ToloCBendigo Spirit
Kristy WallaceGIndiana Fever
Sami WhitcombGSeattle Storm

Benyam Kidane

Benyam Kidane Photo

Benyam Kidane is a senior NBA editor and has been covering the league for The Sporting News since 2016. In his spare time you can find him watching Allen Iverson highlights on repeat.