Nneka Ogwumike: FIBA denies WNBA star from playing with Nigeria

Nneka Ogwumike Sees Olympic Dream Fade with Nigeria

Nneka Ogwumike, WNBA star, has seen her desire to represent Nigeria in the Olympic Games frustrated. The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) rejected her request to play with the African team in the next World Cup and in the Los Angeles 2028 Games. This is Ogwumike’s third failed attempt to wear the jersey of Nigeria, the country of origin of her parents, since the 2021 Tokyo Games.

After the second attempt, I made peace with it. The third time, I said, let me say I gave it my all. I’m over it. It’s unfortunate, but there are certain things you can’t control.

Nneka Ogwumike

In a statement, FIBA confirmed the rejection of Ogwumike’s request. The first request was denied because it was considered that the player’s change from the United States to Nigeria occurred too close to the start of the Tokyo Olympic Games. In addition, her appeal for last year’s Paris Games arrived late. FIBA argued that Ogwumike had been a key player for the US team in their victories at the 2014 and 2018 World Cups. The federation seeks to prevent athletes from playing for more than one senior national team throughout their careers.

My involvement with the United States is for them, their strongest point, but it doesn’t necessarily make sense for the person being penalized for it. They are going to keep using this excuse over and over again. I’m not going to dwell on it. I tried honestly, so I feel good about it.

Nneka Ogwumike

Despite having the approval of USA Basketball, Ogwumike was not included in the US team for the Tokyo Games due to a knee sprain. Her recovery would have allowed her to be ready for the Olympic event. Elizabeth Williams also tried to play for Nigeria, but her request was rejected. On the other hand, Nneka’s younger sister, Chiney, had her request approved with reservations.

Because Chiney never played on a world championship team, that’s the reason why there are different statuses. I was also told that if I had gotten my passport a little earlier, then my chances would have been better.

Nneka Ogwumike

Ogwumike revealed that, in her youth, USA Basketball advised her not to try to obtain a passport from another country.

That would hurt our chances of playing for the United States. I wasn’t even trying to get it for basketball. I was just trying to get it because my parents are Nigerian. And I’m the first generation born here, so we were scared into not getting passports from other countries that our families were from.

Nneka Ogwumike

Nigeria has become an emerging power in international basketball in recent years. The African team reached the quarterfinals of the Paris Olympics before falling to the United States. The incorporation of Ogwumike could have further boosted the team’s aspirations.

That’s the underlying current of what they weren’t telling us directly, but we assumed was happening.

Nneka Ogwumike

Ogwumike hopes her fight will shed light on the process of nationality selection in sports and how athletes choose to represent their countries.