Nneka Ogwumike, WNBA star, frustrated by FIBA: Will not play with Nigeria

Nneka Ogwumike: A Truncated Olympic Dream

The prominent basketball player, Nneka Ogwumike, sees her desire to represent Nigeria in the Olympic Games frustrated. The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) rejected her request to compete for the African nation in both next year’s World Cup and the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. This is Ogwumike’s third failed attempt to obtain FIBA approval to play for Nigeria, the country of origin of her parents. The player has been fighting to represent Nigeria since the Tokyo Games in 2021.

“After the second attempt to appeal, I made peace with it. The third time, I said, let me say I gave it my all. I’m a little tired of this,” Ogwumike declared.

Nneka Ogwumike

In a statement, FIBA confirmed the rejection of Ogwumike’s request. The first request was denied because the player tried to change her affiliation from the United States to Nigeria too close to the start of the Tokyo Olympic Games. The regulatory body also argued that her appeal for last year’s Paris Games arrived late. Furthermore, FIBA highlighted Ogwumike’s significant participation in the United States national team, emphasizing her victories in the 2014 and 2018 World Cups. FIBA seeks to discourage athletes from representing more than one senior national team during their careers.

“My involvement with the United States is for them, their strongest point, but it doesn’t necessarily make sense for the individual who is being penalized for it,” Ogwumike added.

Nneka Ogwumike

Although USA Basketball approved Ogwumike to play for Nigeria, the player was not selected for the US team in the Tokyo Games due to a knee injury. Her recovery would have allowed her participation in the Olympic Games. Ogwumike, who averaged 18.3 points and 7.0 rebounds per game this season with the Seattle Storm, was not the only American player denied the opportunity to play for Nigeria. Elizabeth Williams also tried to represent the African country, but her request was rejected. Nneka’s younger sister, Chiney, did receive approval, although with reservations.

“Because Chiney never played on a world championship team, that’s the reason why there are different statuses,” explained Nneka Ogwumike.

Nneka Ogwumike

Ogwumike also revealed that, when she was younger, USA Basketball advised her not to try to obtain a passport from another country.

“They scared us so we wouldn’t get passports from other countries where our families were from,” Ogwumike commented.

Nneka Ogwumike

Nigeria has established itself as a promising team in international basketball in recent years. The country made history by reaching the quarterfinals of the Paris Olympics before being defeated by the United States. The incorporation of Ogwumike could have strengthened the team and improved its chances of advancing even further in the competition. Ogwumike hopes her fight will shed light on the process of nationality selection in sports and how athletes decide which country to represent.