The knockout phase of the Olympic women’s basketball tournament began today with the quarterfinal round that will determine whether Team USA will compete with the world’s best for an Olympic medal.

The USA are still the frontrunners for gold, having swept pool play with a 3-0 record and a +58 points differential.

History-making Nigeria stands in the way of Team USA

In Team USA’s quarterfinal matchup, the seven-time Olympic champions will face their own historic rival, Nigeria.

Nigeria qualified for the quarterfinals, finishing 2-1 in group play to become the first African nation to reach the Olympic qualifying rounds. Nigeria’s success is a stunning comeback from the Tokyo Olympics, where they were eliminated after failing to win their group stage.

Ezinne Kalu, who plays for the Landerneau team in France, became Nigeria’s top scorer in Paris, leaving Canada behind with 21 points.

Roster depth key to U.S. Olympic success

Team USA will rely on its resilient depth of players this afternoon, in addition to the combined play of two-time WNBA MVPs A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart.

The U.S. will also lean on its stifling defense and steady offense, which has allowed opponents to score just 77 points per game while averaging 92 points per game so far in Paris. And that goes beyond the starters: Team USA’s bench contributed 52 points in the group stage finale against Germany.

Three more competitors book Olympic semi-final places

With today’s other three quarterfinals now officially announced, all eyes are on the United States’ bid for its 59th consecutive Olympic victory.

After reaching the knockout stages with a crucial win, Australia maintained their momentum by beating Serbia 85-67 in the quarter-finals and set up a semi-final clash with either the USA or Nigeria.

Spain – the only other team unbeaten in the tournament’s pool play – were stunned this morning by a strong Belgian team, 79-66. The Belgians next play in their first Olympic semi-final against hosts France, who advanced to the next round by beating Olympic debutants Germany 84-71 this afternoon.

How to watch Team USA vs Nigeria in Olympic quarterfinals

Team USA will face Nigeria today at 15:30 GMT. The match will be broadcast live on NBC.