Sports

2020 NBA Draft class features record-high number of players of Nigerian origin

Published

4 years ago

November 17, 2020

More than the usual smattering of Nigerian eyes will be fixed on the NBA Draft on Wednesday, as a record-high chunk of the class is made up of Nigeria-origin players.

A total of seven players, two born in Nigeria, will be in consideration for pickup by some of the best basketball teams in the world.

Onyeka Okongwu is in the conversation for not just for the top 5 pick, but could well rival James Wiseman, Lamelo Ball, and Anthony Edwards for the number one overall pick.

Precious Achiuwa and Udoka Azubuike are the two who were born in Nigeria. If both are selected in the top 30, it would be the first time that two players from Nigeria are selected in the first round of the same NBA Draft.

Along with Achiuwa and Azubuike, there are also Onyeka Okongwu, Isaac Okoro, Zeke Nnaji, Daniel Oturu, and Jordan Nwora on the cards.

“I think it’s big,” Achiuwa said in a pre-Draft Zoom call with ESPN.

“It just shows there’s a big talent culture in Nigeria when it comes to basketball, athleticism and athletes as a whole in general.

“It speaks to how competitive we are and our willingness to be better in whatever we do.”

It is a testament both to how far the Nigerian community in the USA has come, and how much basketball has grown back home.

In 1984, when Akeem Olajuwon was drafted number one overall to the NBA — ahead of even Michael Jordan — he was the lone Nigerian, nay African, in that Draft Class.

It took another 10 years before the NBA drafted another player of Nigerian descent when the New Jersey Nets picked up Yinka Dare from George Washington, and another four years before Michael Olowokandi was drafted number one overall by the LA Clippers.

Thirty six years on from that first, pivotal draft, the 2020 NBA Draft Class — like the 2020 NFL Draft Class before it — boasts the highest number of players of Nigerian origin.

Nwora already represents Nigeria senior men’s basketball team. Oturu’s father, Francis, played table tennis for Nigeria.

Okongwu is in the conversation for not just for the top 5 pick, but could well rival James Wiseman, Lamelo Ball, and Anthony Edwards for the number one overall pick, and he is not shy about it.

“I feel like I’m higher than all of them,” he told ESPN. “I just do all the little things well. I just play basketball. I know how to win.”

Also projected to be a high pick is Isaac Okoro, the 6’6 shooting guard/small forward from Auburn.

All told, there are more than 30 current and former NBA players with Nigerian roots, including the likes of Andre Iguodala, Victor Oladipo, Bam Adebayo, and the Antetokounmpo brothers, led of course by legendary Hall of Famer Olajuwon.

Achiuwa said that it is a trend the current class will seek to carry on: “I think we have the opportunity to keep that legacy going, especially that Nigerian representation in the NBA.”

That representation has been helped in no small part by the work of a man who himself was in a similar position some 20 years ago.

Former Nigeria captain Olumide Oyedeji was drafted out of German team DJK Wurzburg [Dirk Nowitzki played there too] and has run basketball camps every year in Nigeria for 20 straight years until this year’s COVID-19 interruption.

Over 35 000 kids have passed through the camp in those 20 years, including Azubuike.

Oyedeji, who played three seasons in the NBA, projects that the number will rise in the future and also expects the players to continue to light the way for others.

“We are a country of about 200 million people and with the way Nigerians are migrating to the USA, don’t be surprised to see 20 in the next Draft Classes in the future,” Oyedeji told ESPN.

“We already have three projected to go in the lottery this year.

“It is a positive thing and I feel proud. For other people back home, it is just the same way. We just have to translate it to sports development back home.

“And they should know and remember where they come from because it goes beyond basketball.”

Pivotal to the increase in Nigerian names in the NBA is Fubara Onyanabo, a man whom many in Nigeria have barely heard of, but has mentored a long list of players, including some currently representing in Nigeria’s national team.

Achiuwa was not shy about paying tribute to Fubura, who coached the player’s elder brother: “He is doing a great job, advancing the game and making sure that the kids back home have a way to learn the game.

“He is providing resources for the kids and I think that that is absolutely big having someone that is so passionate about basketball back home. I think that is really important.”

Onyanabo, who has coached Nigeria’s national teams at various age levels, has been doing so since 2009. With no resources, he poured his heart and soul and money into running the basketball camps.

While he is gratified to see that his passion is bearing fruit thousands of miles away on a global stage, even if indirectly, his priorities are set differently.

“For me, it is a passion and a calling,” Onyanabo told ESPN. “After my playing career ended, I found that although kids around me loved basketball and loved watching the NBA, they did not have the right skills to play, so I decided to start training them.

“For me, it is not about talents that are exported outside Nigeria. It is the ability to keep these young people busy and channel their energy towards positive and productive ventures here in Nigeria.

“My fulfilment is the ability to put smiles on the faces of these kids. They don’t pay to learn or play basketball. We just want to keep them happy and away from trouble.”

Along with the Nigerians in the Draft Class, there is also some other history to be made at an African level.

The Draft also includes Mamadi Diakite, who was born in Guinea, Paul Eboua, born in Cameroon, Karim Mane and Lamine Diane, both born in Senegal. If they are all drafted it would break the record for the most players to be drafted from the continent. Four were drafted in 2016.

Whatever happens, Oyedeji has some words of advice: “The work starts when they are drafted. They have to be ready at all times, even if they are on the bench. Always be ready to be the next man up.”

Related Topics:Basketball ESPN NBA Nigeria

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Napoli set €100m price tag on Osimhen amid Juventus interest

Published

5 hours ago

April 27, 2025

Trends Admin

Victor Osimhen

Napoli set €100m price tag on Osimhen amid Juventus interest

The transfer saga surrounding Victor Osimhen continues to heat up ahead of the summer window, with Napoli placing a hefty €100 million valuation on the striker should Juventus push to sign him.

While Osimhen’s widely reported release clause stands at €75 million, this figure is applicable only to clubs outside Italy. Domestic rivals like Juventus would have to dig deeper and engage in direct negotiations with Napoli’s president, Aurelio De Laurentiis, who is well-known for driving hard bargains in the transfer market.

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DAZN journalist Orazio Accomando has shed light on Napoli’s stance regarding a potential move to Turin.

“There’s interest from the Premier League (Chelsea and Manchester United in the lead), but also from Barcelona for Osimhen,” he posted on X.
“The clause for going abroad is 75 Million Euros.

“Juventus could join in, but it will depend on qualification for the Champions League and the outgoing market. The request for Italian clubs is 100 Million Euros.”

Napoli set €100m price tag on Osimhen amid Juventus interest

Sports

Barcelona beat Real Madrid 2-1 in extra time to win Copa del Rey

Published

5 hours ago

April 27, 2025

Trends Admin

Barcelona beat Real Madrid 2-1 in extra time to win Copa del Rey

A Jules Kounde goal in the dying minutes of extra time handed Barcelona a dramatic 3-2 win over fierce rivals Real Madrid in an enthralling Copa del Rey final in a raucous atmosphere at Seville’s La Cartuja stadium on Saturday.

Barcelona won a record extending 32nd Spanish Cup title thanks to a stunning strike from the French defender, who slotted a low drive into the bottom corner from 25 yards in the 116th minute.

The match ended on a sour note for Real Madrid as Antonio Ruediger and Lucas Vazquez, both on the bench after being substituted earlier, received red cards for dissent from the sidelines, with Jude Bellingham also being flashed a red after the final whistle for unsportsmanlike conduct.

Pedri put Barca ahead in the 28th minute with a brilliant curling strike into the top corner from outside the box in a first-half they dominated.

However, Real took control in the second half as Kylian Mbappe, who was absent from the starting XI as he has yet to regain full fitness from an ankle injury, came off the bench to score the equaliser from a free kick in the 70th minute.

Aurelien Tchouameni gave Real Madrid the lead seven minutes later with a towering header from a corner before Ferran Torres found the equaliser in a counter attack in the 84th minute that took the game to extra time.

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Just when it seemed like the title would have to be settled in a penalty shootout, Kounde finally scored the winner that earned Barca a title that gave German manager Hansi Flick his first major title with Barca, crowning a brilliant season in which they are also bidding for the LaLiga and Champions League titles while Real are now left only with LaLiga as they bid to avoid a trophy-less campaign.

“It was a good time to give the fans something to cheer about. Let’s enjoy it, but don’t overdo it because the Champions League semi-finals are coming up in a few days,” player of the match Ferran Torres told TVE.

“Happy and tired. Without a doubt, it was the most physically demanding game I’ve played in my life. But we’re a great team who never gives up.

“It tastes better that way, especially when it’s Real Madrid in front of us.”

It was a nail-biting, ill-tempered encounter fueled by Friday’s turmoil ignited after Real Madrid decided to boycott pre-match activities in protest against the Spanish FA’s refereeing.

Final official Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea, who had given an emotional pre-match press conference on Friday, was faced with a series of challenging decisions, including an added-time penalty for Barcelona that was eventually overturned following a lengthy VAR review.

Torres had a header hit the post just before half-time, marking a one-sided first half in which Real Madrid, lacking in form, were fortunate to only be trailing by a single goal.

In an attempt to swing the momentum, Ancelotti brought on Mbappe from the bench to replace the ineffectual Rodrygo. The French forward changed the dynamic of the game, creating numerous problems for Barcelona with his high-paced combinations with Vinicius Jr.

Despite two clear chances from Vinicius Jr. being denied by stunning saves from Wojciech Szczesny, Mbappe managed to find the back of the net in the 69th minute with a low strike from a free kick.

Just as Barcelona appeared to be on the backfoot and Real Madrid were gaining control, Torres equalised in the 83rd minute. This set the stage for a dramatic conclusion, with Barcelona securing the winner to the euphoria of their fans.

Barcelona beat Real Madrid 2-1 in extra time to win Copa del Rey

Sports

Real Madrid demand referee change, could boycott Copa Del Rey final

Published

1 day ago

April 26, 2025

Trends Admin

Real Madrid demand referee change, could boycott Copa Del Rey final

Real Madrid refused to partake in planned Copa del Rey final related activities on Friday because they were angry at complaints made by the match officials earlier in the day, the club told media in Seville.

The referee for Saturday’s match against rivals Barcelona, Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea, welled up when speaking about pressure officials have faced from Real Madrid TV this season.

Spanish champions Real Madrid boycotted the press conference, the open training in front of media, the traditional presidents’ dinner and a pre-match photo-call.

“Real Madrid told the RFEF they will not take part in the press conference or the official training session looking forward to the (final),” said the Spanish football federation.

This week the club’s television channel launched a new video attacking the referee for the final, something they have done to various officials this season.

Los Blancos also published an open letter in February claiming Spanish refereeing was “rigged” and “completely discredited”.

Real Madrid have form when it comes to boycotts: in October they stayed away from the Ballon d’Or ceremony because their winger Vinicius Junior was not named the best player in the world.

“Real Madrid does not go where it is not respected,” the club said at the time.

De Burgos Bengoetxea had spoken about the effect criticism from Real Madrid’s television channel was having on his family life.

“When a child of yours goes to school and there are kids telling him that his father is a ‘thief’ and comes home crying, it’s totally messed up,” De Burgos Bengoetxea told a news conference.

“What I do is try to educate my son, to say that his father is honest, above all honest, who can make mistakes, like any sportsperson,” he continued, becoming emotional.

“This is really messed up… but the day I leave (the job), I want my son to be proud of what his father is, and what refereeing is, it has given us many values.”

Wiping away tears, the 39-year-old called for deeper thought on the issue of referee abuse.

READ ALSO:

“It’s not right what we are going through, many colleagues, and not just in professional football, but also at grassroots level,” he added.

“Everyone should reflect about where we want to go, about what we want from sport and from football.”

Pablo Gonzalez Fuertes, the referee in charge of VAR for the final, suggested officials could take further action over Real Madrid TV’s broadcasts in the coming weeks.

“Have no doubt that we are going to have to start taking much more serious measures than we are taking,” said Gonzalez Fuertes.

“We will not continue to allow what is happening. Soon, you will hear from us.

“We are going to make history, because we are not going to continue to bear what we are putting up with.”

Copa del Rey ref statements ‘unacceptable’: Real Madrid after boycotting final build-up

Real Madrid said complaints made by Copa del Rey final referees against pressure from the club’s television channel were ‘unacceptable’ on Friday, after pulling out of planned pre-match activities.

“These statements… made in a premeditated manner 24 hours before the final against one of the participants, demonstrate, once again, a clear and manifest animosity and hostility of these referees towards Real Madrid,” said the Spanish champions on the eve of Saturday’s cup final in Seville.

Real Madrid refused to take part in planned Copa del Rey final related activities on Friday because they were angry at comments made by the match officials earlier in the day, the club told media in Seville.

The referee for Saturday’s match against rivals Barcelona, Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea, welled up when speaking about pressure officials have faced from Real Madrid TV this season.

Spanish champions Real Madrid boycotted the press conference, the open training in front of media, the traditional presidents’ dinner and a pre-match photo-call.

“Real Madrid considers the public statements made by the Copa del Rey final referees unacceptable,” said the club in their statement.

Madrid took particular issue with the final’s VAR referee Pablo Gonzalez Fuertes suggesting referees were “united” and looking to take collective action against the pressure they had received from Real Madrid TV.

“Even more surprising statements, in a threatening tone… to announce supposed measures or actions that are far removed from the principles of fairness, objectivity and impartiality that should prevail just hours before (the final),” continued Madrid’s statement.

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“In view of the seriousness of what has happened, Real Madrid hopes that those in charge of the RFEF and the refereeing profession will act accordingly, adopting the relevant measures in defence of the prestige of the institutions they represent.”

Spanish media report Madrid want the referees changed for the final and could even refuse to play if that does not happen.

This week the club’s television channel launched a new video attacking the referee for the final, something they have done to various officials this season.

“Real Madrid told the RFEF they will not take part in the press conference or the official training session looking forward to the (final),” said the Spanish football federation.

Los Blancos also published an open letter in February claiming Spanish refereeing was “rigged” and “completely discredited”.

Real Madrid have form when it comes to boycotts: in October they stayed away from the Ballon d’Or ceremony because their winger Vinicius Junior was not named the best player in the world.

“Real Madrid does not go where it is not respected,” the club said at the time.

– ‘It’s totally messed up’ –

De Burgos Bengoetxea had spoken about the effect criticism from Real Madrid’s television channel was having on his family life.

“What I do is try to educate my son, to say that his father is honest, above all honest, who can make mistakes, like any sportsperson,” he continued, becoming emotional.

“This is really messed up… but the day I leave (the job), I want my son to be proud of what his father is, and what refereeing is, it has given us many values.”

Wiping away tears, the 39-year-old called for deeper thought on the issue of referee abuse.

“It’s not right what we are going through, many colleagues, and not just in professional football, but also at grassroots level,” he added.

“Everyone should reflect about where we want to go, about what we want from sport and from football.”

Gonzalez Fuertes had suggested officials could take further action over Real Madrid TV’s broadcasts in the coming weeks.

“Have no doubt that we are going to have to start taking much more serious measures than we are taking,” said Gonzalez Fuertes.

“We will not continue to allow what is happening. Soon, you will hear from us.

“We are going to make history, because we are not going to continue to bear what we are putting up with.”