FIBA, basketball’s governing body, denied the request citing Nneka’s experience on the American national team throughout her career. women’s team - they cited a knee injury but whispers of politics within the organization persist - she attempted to join Erica on the Nigerian national team. The story could’ve been even better, but controversy kept Ogwumike from enjoying these Games with Nneka and Chiney.Īfter Nneka failed to make the U.S. All four girls played Division 1 basketball. Another, Olivia, has an MBA and is chasing a doctorate in public policy. Two of her older sisters, Nneka and Chiney, play for the Los Angeles Sparks.
The moment is sweet, but it could’ve been sweeter for the youngest of one of America’s most prolific basketball families with four children of Nigerian-born parents finding success on and off the court. “The hardest thing is probably just, you know, making sure you know that school comes first regardless,” she said. women’s team before heading back to the Olympic Village for more flash card drills and medical research projects. Ogwumike played four minutes in an 81-72 loss to the U.S. Her hoop dreams on pause during the pandemic, Ogwumike decided to attend medical school at UT Southwestern in Dallas while continuing to train for the Olympics.Īnd Tuesday, she made it. “It’s hard to fathom that a player that’s coming to the league and accomplished everything that she has to possibly go through her career and never have a chance to play in the Olympics.She’s playing basketball in the Olympics. “Just kind of mind boggling,” Sparks coach Derek Fisher said earlier this month. If Nneka is not allowed to play, she’ll be the only WNBA MVP who has not competed in the Olympics. Ogwumike’s appeal requests that the court make its decision before the first game in Tokyo, July 26 against Team USA. They’ll have to trim that down to 12, Hughley Jr. Team Nigeria listed 19 players on its roster ahead of the exhibition game. “They’re there to just help in any way possible, and it’s just selfless,” she said. Nyingifa detailed how forgot her sports bra for the matchup and Chiney lent her one. Unlike Nneka, Williams entered the game, playing 29 minutes contributing four points and four rebounds.Ītonye Nyingifa (9) who led Nigeria in scoring said Nneka and Chiney have been nothing but giving of their wisdom and everything else.
Williams also had her petition denied with the oldest Ogwumike. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)ĭuring timeouts, Nneka Ogwumike helped coach Nigerian players, including Elizabeth Williams of the Atlanta Dream, pointing where they should position themselves. Erica Ogwumike, Chiney Ogwumike and Nneka Ogwumike of Nigeria look on from the bench during an exhibition game against the United States at Michelob ULTRA Arena ahead of the Tokyo Olympic Games on Jin Las Vegas, Nevada. Turnovers were also an issue that contributed to the 70-67 loss to Australia on Friday. “It is good to have this win underneath us.”Īlthough Team USA maintained control throughout, they committed 20 turnovers that led to 17 points. “I feel like it’s matching the standard of the dominance of the USA team,” Wilson said. scored 42 points in the paint, led by center Brittney Griner (12) who stood several inches above the entire opposition. In the first quarter, Team USA captured a 16 point lead and never relinquished the momentum, extending the lead to as much as 32. After losing two straight exhibition games to Team WNBA and Australia, Team USA looked ready to compete for its seventh consecutive gold medal.Īj’a Wilson (16 points, 10 rebounds) and Breanna Stewart (14 points, 6 assists) led the U.S.
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