Meet WNBA star, Nneka Ogwumike pushing to switch from US to Nigeria

Nneka Ogwumike, a former WNBA MVP and current Seattle Storm player, is still working to get approval from FIBA to play for Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, PM News has gathered.

Although she was named in Nigeria’s provisional squad for the Paris 2024 Olympics, her switch from the United States to Nigeria was denied by the international basketball federation.

Ogwumike, 35, previously played for the U.S. team, winning two World Cups in 2014 and 2018. She has said that her time with Team USA is over and she hopes to represent Nigeria at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.

“The application to change my nationality has been in progress since I said I wouldn’t play for the U.S. anymore,” Ogwumike said. “We’re just waiting to hear back from FIBA. Hopefully, I can still play for Nigeria at the next Olympics.”

This season, Ogwumike has been performing well for the Seattle Storm, averaging 17 points and 8 rebounds in 20 games. She has also been selected for her 10th WNBA All-Star game and will start for Team Napheesa Collier at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse on July 20.

Speaking about the future of the WNBA, she said, “Everyone who’s part of the WNBA wants to see it grow. I’m thankful to be part of it and I’m excited about the expansion. We’re getting more teams next year.”