The second day of the women's basketball tournament at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games proceeded without major surprises, except for Nigeria's notable victory over Australia. Four exciting matches were played at the Pierre Mauroy Stadium in Villeneuve-d'Ascq, on the outskirts of Lille, completing the first round of group-stage games.

Nigeria, currently ranked twelfth in the world, achieved a surprising victory in the first match of the day against Australia, ranked third. With a final score of 75-62, Nigeria secured their win thanks to an excellent second quarter that allowed them to lead 41-28 at halftime. Ezinne Kalu, the point guard for Roma, led the Nigerian attack with 19 points, making her the top scorer of the match.

In Group C, Germany defeated Belgium, the current European champions, with a convincing 83-69. Despite the 25 points scored by Emma Meesseman, the game's top scorer, Belgium's comeback was insufficient to surpass the Germans, who had already led 46-25 at halftime.

France delighted the home crowd in their first game of the Olympic tournament by defeating Canada with a score of 75-54. Despite a close first quarter with a Canadian lead of 18-15, the French team dominated the second quarter with a crushing 23-2 run and went into halftime with an 18-point lead.

Two French stars then appeared: Mariemme Badiane, with 13 points, and Gabby Williams, with 12 points, led the host team's victory.

The day concluded with a rematch of the last Olympic Games final between the United States and Japan. In a decisive duel, the United States, winners of the last seven Olympic Games and the last four World Cups faced Japan, who won the silver medal in Tokyo.

The superiority in the paint was evident with the most lethal frontcourt in the FIBA landscape: Breanna Stewart and A'Ja Wilson. The 'big women' even found an ally in veteran Brittney Griner. The trio of pivots combined for 55 points, leaving a significant gap in the Japanese defence. 

Japan tried to counter. Their accuracy from the 3-point line was splendid, hitting 15 threes with over 40% accuracy. This was in stark contrast to the Americans' poor effectiveness, with only 4 out of 20 attempts.

Despite the close first half, the United States continued their streak without upsets, securing their 56th consecutive Olympic victory. This time, with a 26-point lead over Japan. Unreal.

The second day of the women's basketball tournament at Paris 2024 offered intense matches and standout performances, reaffirming the high level of competition and the exciting path ahead in this prestigious sporting event.