Explore the dynamic landscape of Nigerian basketball talent as we delve into a comprehensive list of Nigerian basketball players securing fresh overseas contracts, showcasing the growing prominence of Nigerian athletes on the global stage.
This list showcases the diverse range of athletes poised to make significant impacts on the international basketball scene, reflecting the nation’s burgeoning basketball prowess.
We hope you enjoy the read.
JAHLIL OKAFOR
The Zhejiang Guangsha Lions have signed 27-year-old American center Jahlil Okafor, who stands at 211cm and weighs 115kg.
A former #3 overall pick from Duke University, Okafor returns to the Lions after a stint with Casademont Zaragoza in the Spanish Liga Endesa, where he averaged 11.7ppg, 5.1rpg, and 1.8apg in 11 games this season.
Last season, he competed for Capitanes in the NBA G League.
He also had two appearances in the FIBA Europe Cup, averaging 12.0ppg and 4.5rpg. With previous NBA experience and Olympic representation for the USA, Okafor brings a wealth of talent to the Lions.
With previous NBA stints at the New Orleans Pelicans, Atlanta Hawks, Detroit Pistons, and Brooklyn Nets, Okafor brings a wealth of professional experience.
His accolades include participation in the 2022 Chinese CBA final and being named to the Asia-Basket.com All-Chinese CBA Honorable Mention team in the same year.
Read also: Kevin Ogunjimi’s Story from Chicago Streets to Hardwood
CHRISTOPHER OBEKPA
The Sichuan Blue Whales of the CBA have secured the services of 30-year-old Nigerian international power forward, Christopher Obekpa.
Standing at 206cm and weighing 107kg, Obekpa arrives from Dynamo in the Burundian D1 league, with previous stints at Al Arabi in the Qatari league last season.
A graduate of the University of Nevada – Las Vegas in 2016, Obekpa also played for two other colleges; St. John’s University and Monroe College.
Despite participating in the NBA Pro Summer League in 2016, he remained undrafted in the NBA.
With a significant presence in the Nigerian international program since 2018, Obekpa has been a regular member of the senior team and previously represented the Under 16 National Team in 2008.
Obekpa’s extensive experience spans nine countries across Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America. Notable stops include Italy (Avellino), Lebanon (Al Riyadi), Qatar, Syria (Al Karameh), Turkey (Trabzonspor), NBA G League (Santa Cruz Warriors), Libya (Ahly Benghazi), Guinea (Seydou Legacy Athletique Club Conakry), and Ivory Coast (Abidjan Basket Club).
In 2023, his team reached the semifinals of the Road to Basketball Africa League East Division Elite 16.
In 2018, he was honored with selection to the Turkish League All-Star Game. This is his eighth season as a professional player.
OMOTAYO JORDAN OGUNDIRAN
BK Armex Decin (NBL) has secured the services of 27-year-old American point guard Omotayo Ogundiran who also holds Nigerian citizenship.
Standing at 5’11 (180cm) and weighing 77kg, Ogundiran is a dynamic addition to the team.
A graduate of California State Polytechnic University, Pomona in 2019, Ogundiran went undrafted the same year.
He began the current season with Akademija FMP Skopje in the North Macedonian Prva Liga, impressing with averages of 21.4ppg, 5.3rpg, 5.3apg, and 1.1spg in 10 games.
Since 2020, Ogundiran has been a regular member of the Nigerian Senior National Team.
He has previously played professionally in France (Marseille) and Albania (Kamza), showcasing his skills.
With a notable collegiate background and experience in various professional leagues, Ogundiran brings versatility and talent to BK Armex Decin.
Currently averaging 13.3ppg, 3.9rpg, 3.0apg, 1.5spg, and 0.2bpg, he is set to make a significant impact in his fifth season of professional basketball.
ANDREW DIKAS
The Georgia Panthers have enlisted the seasoned Nigerian guard Andrew Dikas, for the upcoming 2024 season making him the team’s second import player.
Standing at 6’4” and weighing 202lbs Dikas specializes as a shooting guard he graduated from Brewton-Parker College in 2011 and went undrafted in the same year.
During his college career at Brewton-Parker College in Georgia Dikas showcased his versatility as a combo guard, exhibiting a smooth midrange game and exceptional footwork with the ability to create scoring opportunities.
He averaged 12ppg, 4rpg, and 3apg during his time there.
Having most recently played for Orli Prostejov in the NBL League in the Czech Republic, Dikas brings a wealth of professional experience.
He has previously competed in Slovenia (Grosuplje), Sweden (Norrkoping), and the ABA (South Coast F. and South Florida G.).
With his extensive background, it’s likely that Dikas may conclude his playing career with the Georgia Panthers.
This upcoming season is his 13th year as a professional.
AJARE SANNI
Newly elevated Dziki Warszawa (Polish Basketball League) has enlisted the talents of Ajare Sanni, a 23-year-old American guard standing at 6’3-190cm, who also holds a Nigerian passport.
Sanni, a Texas native completed his education at the University of California Santa Barbara in 2023 having also played for the University of Pacific.
Despite going undrafted in the same year, his skills have garnered attention.
Prior to joining Dziki Warszawa, Sanni showcased his abilities in the Vilkaviksio Lithuanian NKL league, where he delivered an impressive performance.
Across 22 games, he maintained an average of 22.0ppg, 4.2rpg, 4.5apg, 2.2spg, and 1.9bpg, earning him recognition as the NKL League Player of the Week on three occasions.
This marks Sanni’s inaugural season in the realm of professional basketball.
Stay locked on for volume 2 of more “Nigerian Basketball Players” inking new deals in europe.
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