WNBA star Nneka Ogwumike frustrated after FIBA’s rejection to play for Nigeria

Nneka Ogwumike: Olympic Dream with Nigeria Fades

Nneka Ogwumike, WNBA star, sees her desire to represent Nigeria in the Olympic Games frustrated. The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) rejected her request to compete with the African nation in next year’s World Cup and at the Los Angeles 2028 Games. This is Ogwumike’s third failed attempt to play for Nigeria, the country of origin of her parents. Since the Tokyo 2021 Games, the player had been struggling to get approval.

After the second attempt, I made peace. The third time, I said, let me say I gave it my all. I’m already at a point where I’m very surpassed. It’s regrettable, but there are certain things you can’t control.

Nneka Ogwumike

FIBA argued that Ogwumike’s request was denied because she tried to switch from the United States national team to Nigeria too close to the start of the Tokyo Olympics. Furthermore, her appeal for last year’s Paris Games was late. The governing body also highlighted her key role in the United States’ victories in the 2014 and 2018 World Cups. FIBA regulations aim 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 individual who is being penalized for it. They are going to keep using this excuse over and over again. I’m not going to keep insisting. I tried honestly, so I feel good about it.

Nneka Ogwumike

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

Because Chiney never played on a world championship team, that’s the reason why there are different states.

Nneka Ogwumike

Ogwumike reported that, in her youth, USA Basketball advised her not to obtain a passport from another country. It would damage 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 not to get passports from other countries where our families were from. Nigeria has established itself as an emerging power in international basketball in recent years. The Nigerian team reached the quarterfinals of the Paris Olympics, where it was defeated by the United States. Ogwumike hopes her experience will shed light on the process of selecting nationalities in sports.