Sports
Presence of Nigerian Players in NBA Basketball Grows Stronger Than Ever
Nigeria has quietly churned out some of the world’s best basketball talent for nearly four decades.
Some of the nation’s hardcourt claims-to-fame are homegrown while others are connected through family heritage. Either way, Nigeria’s influence on global basketball and the National Basketball Association (NBA), North America’s top tier in the sport, is at an all-time high.
Nigerian Dominance Begins with a Dream
The history of Nigerians in the NBA traces back to one superstar—Hakeem Olajuwon. The mighty seven-footer from Lagos debuted as the league’s first native African with the Houston Rockets in 1984.
Olajuwon started his athletic career as a soccer goalkeeper, eventually transitioning to basketball at the age of 17.
Despite his relative obscurity, he received an invitation to play basketball in the US with the University of Houston Cougars. Olajuwon’s skills rapidly developed in the American college ranks. By his third season with the Cougars, he had earned the nickname Hakeem “The Dream” for a seemingly effortless style of slam dunking. Fans and the basketball press considered him the best amateur player in the nation.
Olajuwon’s call to turn pro was answered when the Houston Rockets chose him with their first pick in the 1984 draft. That year, future NBA Hall-of-Famers Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley, and John Stockton were drafted behind Olajuwon.
The Dream spent 17 seasons in the NBA between 1984 and 2002. He was awarded the league MVP in 1994 and led the Rockets to consecutive championships in 1994 and 1995. One of the greatest centres of all time, Olajuwon was enshrined in the NBA Hall-of-Fame in 2008.
Nigerians and sports fans across Africa followed The Dream’s career. He grew basketball’s popularity throughout the continent to new heights.
Naturally, Nigeria was the first country targeted by the NBA when its Basketball Without Borders (BWB) program launched in Africa in 2003. BWB is responsible for cultivating the NBA and FIBA brands while developing international talent.
Today, Nigeria’s impact is felt at the very top of basketball. Take Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks, for example. Antetokounmpo was born to a Nigerian family that emigrated to Greece from Lagos. Antetokounmpo looms large as one of the NBA’s brightest stars. He is greatly responsible for fueling Milwaukee’s rise to the top of American NBA betting odds and his team’s push into the playoffs in each of the last four seasons.
Nigeria Celebrated at 2020 NBA Draft
If the signals weren’t already clear, November 28, 2020, proved Nigeria’s influence on the league once and for all. The date marked last year’s NBA draft, an occasion that saw pro teams select eight players of Nigerian heritage.
The Cleveland Cavaliers started the action by selecting Isaac Okoro in the first round with the fifth overall pick. Okoro, a six-foot-six-inch deft ball handler out of Auburn University, was born in the US to Nigerian parents.
Following Okoro, Onyeka Okongwu was chosen by the Atlanta Hawks as the draft’s sixth pick. Okongwu, another US-born prospect of Nigerian heritage, previously played at the University of Southern California.
The Miami Heat plucked University of Memphis standout Precious Achiuwa with the 20th overall pick. He joins four other players of Nigerian heritage on the Heat: Bam Adebayo, Andre Iguodala, Kezie Okpala, and Gabe Vincent.
Zeke Nnaji (22nd overall), Udoka Azubuike (27th overall), and Desmond Bane (30th overall) completed the first round of Nigeria-connected talent. Nnaji went to the Denver Nuggets, Azubuike was picked up by the Utah Jazz, while Bane currently dons a Memphis Grizzlies uniform.
The selections of Achiuwa and Azubuike mark the first time two Nigerian-born players were taken in the first round.
Nigerians selected in the second round included Daniel Oturu (33rd overall, Los Angeles Clippers) and Jordan Nwora (45th overall, Milwaukee Bucks).
Thirty-seven years after Olajuwon opened the door for Africans to enter the NBA, Nigeria’s sway in basketball’s golden league is stronger than ever.
Efforts such as the BWB program are also responsible for Nigerians developing a love for the game. Current US college basketball players such as Efe Abogidi (Washington State) and Abdul Ado (Mississippi State) ensure Nigeria’s influence will be felt for years to come.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Super Falcons of Nigeria have been drawn in Group C with Egypt, Zambia and Malawi for the defence of their Women’s’ Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title in March, which will be hosted again in Morocco.
Last year, the Nigerian team won the record 10th tournament after defeating the host nation, Morocco, 3-2 in a spectacular final after going down 2-0.
The 2026 edition will be played in Morocco from March 17-April 3, eight months after the last tournament.
The last edition slated for 2024 was postponed by a year for logistical reasons as the Confederation of African Football (CAF) could not get interested hosts.
The next edition which will be the 14th edition and Nigeria will be hoping to win the women’s tournament for the 11th time.
Nigeria’s dominance is only rivalled by Equatorial Guinea which won as hosts of the 2008 and 2012 editions. South Africa won the 2022 edition to become the third African nation to ever win the tournament.
The next edition carries added importance because it serves as qualifying for next year’s Women’s World Cup, with the top four finishers taking up Africa’s slots in the global tournament to be hosted by Brazil.
GROUPS
Group A (Rabat Moulay Hassan Stadium): Morocco, Algeria, Senegal, Kenya,
Group B (Rabat Al Madina Stadium): South Africa, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, Tanzania
Group C (Casablanca): Nigeria, Zambia, Egypt, Malawi
Group D (Fes): Ghana, Cameroon, Mali, Cape Verde.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Chairman of BUA Group, Mr Abdul Samad Rabiu, has reaffirmed his commitment to reward the Super Eagles with the promised $500,000 despite losing the semi-final match against Morocco in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Wednesday night.
The Nigerian senior national football team lost the tie against Morocco 4-2 on penalties after both sides failed to break the deadlock after 120 minutes.
In a post on his official Instagram on Thursday, the billionaire industrialist commended the football team for their determination and unity throughout the competition.
Mr Rabiu said the players displayed admirable grit and commitment on the field, adding that although the trophy eluded them, their performance inspired pride and admiration among Nigerians at home and abroad.
“To our brave Super Eagles, You fought with your hearts, gave your all, and showed true courage and determination on the pitch. Though it wasn’t meant to be this time, you have made every Nigerian proud.
“Sometimes, even our best efforts don’t bring the outcome we hope for, but the spirit, passion, and unity you displayed are what truly matter. You left everything on the field, and that is worthy of celebration.
“As a token of appreciation for your remarkable journey and effort, I am still going ahead to fulfill the pledge of $500,000. This is in recognition of your hard work, dedication, and the joy you have brought to our nation.
“Keep your heads high, Super Eagles – the experience, lessons, and spirit will fuel even greater success next time. Nigeria will always be proud of you, and we believe in your future victories!” the statement read.
Nigeria failed to advance to the final of the 2025 AFCON yesterday after losing to Morocco’s Atlas Lions in a tense penalty shootout, a result that sent the North African side through to the final.
Moroccan goalkeeper, Yacine Bounou saved kicks from both Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi, allowing Youssef En-Nesyri to convert the winning kick and spark wild celebrations inside the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
Nigeria will play Egypt in the bronze medal match on Sunday, January 18 while Morocco will face 2021 winners, Senegal for the chance to win the trophy for the first time in 50 years.
Midweek football delivers decisive moments across three competitions as the Carabao Cup reaches the semi-final in England, Serie A’s title contenders play their games in hand, and the Africa Cup of Nations narrows down to its final two. Fans can follow every fixture live on SuperSport across DStv and GOtv.
Carabao Cup: Semi-Final Second Legs Decide Wembley Places
The Carabao Cup semi-finals conclude with two heavyweight fixtures as clubs push for a place in the final at Wembley.
On Tuesday at 9:00 p.m., Newcastle host Man City at St James’ Park. Newcastle enter the second leg as defending Carabao Cup champions and come into the tie in strong domestic form, having recorded three straight league wins and progressed in the FA Cup after a penalty shootout victory over Bournemouth.
City arrive after a heavy FA Cup win against Exeter City but are still searching for consistency in the league following a run of draws. Both sides have navigated the competition efficiently so far, setting up a finely balanced contest.
Wednesday’s second semi-final sees Chelsea host Arsenal at 9:00 p.m. Chelsea begin the second leg under new manager Liam Rosenior after a convincing FA Cup victory over Charlton, though league form has been less consistent following a recent defeat to Fulham.
Arsenal, meanwhile, arrive as Premier League leaders and remain active in all major competitions this season. Their FA Cup win over Portsmouth maintained momentum as they look to secure a return to Wembley.
Both Carabao Cup semi-final matches air live on SS Premier League (GOtv Ch. 65, DStv Ch. 203).
Serie A: Games in Hand Shape the Title Race
Serie A’s midweek programme features three fixtures involving clubs playing their game in hand, with implications at both ends of the table.
On Wednesday at 6:30 p.m., Napoli host Parma. Napoli were held to a draw by Inter Milan in their previous outing and sit fourth, level on points with Juventus. With other contenders also in action, a win could lift them further up the standings. Parma arrive after a narrow victory over Lecce and continue to look upward from mid-table.
Later on Wednesday at 8:45 p.m., leaders Inter Milan face Lecce at the San Siro. Inter saw their winning run halted by Napoli but remain three points clear at the top. Lecce arrive having suffered consecutive defeats and will be aiming to secure a positive result in a difficult away fixture.
Thursday’s action concludes at 8:45 p.m. as AC Milan travel to face Como. Milan sit second but have been held to back-to-back draws and will be seeking a return to winning form. Como, coached by Cesc Fàbregas, have impressed this season and sit sixth, boasting one of the league’s strongest defensive records.
All Serie A fixtures are broadcast live on SS Africa 2 (GOtv Ch. 64, DStv Ch. 208).
AFCON 2025: Semi-Finals Decide Finalists
The Africa Cup of Nations reaches its penultimate stage with two semi-final clashes scheduled for Wednesday.
Senegal face Egypt at 6:00 p.m. in Tangier in a renewal of a recent AFCON rivalry. Senegal, winners of the 2021 edition, have progressed with control and balance, while Egypt have relied on resilience and decisive moments in the knockout rounds. The matchup once again brings together key figures from both sides as a place in the final is at stake.
Later at 9:00 p.m., Nigeria meet hosts Morocco in Rabat. Nigeria advanced after a disciplined quarter-final performance, while Morocco continue to combine defensive organisation with efficiency in attack. With home support behind them, Morocco face a Nigerian side that has shown attacking consistency throughout the tournament.
Both AFCON semi-finals air live on SS AFCON (GOtv Ch. 59, DStv Ch. 202).
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