We bring you 10 best Nigerians who are playing abroad and who all have had prior experience of national team duties at youth or senior level.
 Ekpe Udoh |
#1. This week’s number one is an international power forward Ekpe Udoh (208-87, college: Baylor, currently plays in Euroleague). He could not help Fenerbahce (11-7) in their last game. Despite Udoh’s very good performance the fifth-placed Fenerbahce (11-7) was edged 75-73 on the road by the lower-ranked (#8) Crvena Zvezda in the group A of Euroleague. He was the top scorer with 16 points. Udoh also added 3 blocks in 35 minutes on the court. Udoh has relatively good stats this year: 12.2ppg, 7.5rpg, 1.8apg, 2.1bpg, 2FGP: 57.7%(82-142) and FT: 63.8% in 17 games he played so far. He is currently a member of the Nigerian senior national team.
 Alade Aminu |
#2. Second place goes to an international power forward Alade Aminu (210-87, agency: Three Eye Sports, college: Georgia Tech, currently plays in Lebanon). Aminu led Al Riyadi to a victory over the eighth-ranked Sagesse (3-6) crushing them 109-79 in a derby game in the Lebanese Pepsi LBL last Sunday. He was MVP of the game. Aminu recorded a double-double by scoring 22 points and getting 10 rebounds. He also added 4 blocks. Sporting Al Riyadi Beirut (3-0) is placed first in the Pepsi LBL. So far his team won all three games in the Regular Season. Aminu has individually a very good season with high stats. He averages: 15.4ppg, 9.0rpg, 2.3apg, 1.5bpg, 1.3spg, 2FGP: 54.1% and FT: 70.2%. Aminu is in the roster of the Nigerian senior national team.
 Melvin Ejim |
#3. The Nigerian player who performed third best last week abroad was former international forward Melvin Ejim (200-91, college: Iowa St., currently plays in Basketball Champions League). Ejim was not able to help Umana Venezia (8-5) in their last game. Despite his good performance Umana Venezia (#3) was crushed 102-67 in Saratov by the lower-ranked (#4) Avtodor in the group B of Basketball Champions League. Ejim was the top scorer with 14 points. He also added 7 rebounds in 28 minutes; quite an impressive performance considering it’s only Ejim’s third season in pro basketball. His team will play only one more game in the Basketball Champions League Regular Season. And that game will be critical. This year Ejim has relatively solid stats: 10.7ppg, 5.9rpg, 1.5apg, 1.2spg, 2FGP: 54.9%, 3FGP: 48.1%(13-27) and FT: 84.6% in 13 games. He has a dual citizenship: Canadian and Nigerian. Ejim played for the Nigerian national team five years ago.
 Jeleel Akindele |
#4. An experienced center Jeleel Akindele (216-83, agency: BeoBasket, college: Chicago St., currently plays in Mexico) was the major contributor in a Fuerza Regia‘s victory against the fifth-ranked Toros (16-12) 86-73 in the Mexican LNBP (second division) in Friday night’s game. He scored 17 points, grabbed 8 rebounds and dished 5 assists in 35 minutes. Fuerza Regia Monterrey (27-1) is placed first in the LNBP. It was his team’s sixth consecutive victory in a row. It’s Akindele’s first season with the team. Akindele has reliable stats this year: 13.7ppg, 9.1rpg and 1.9apg in 25 games. He used to play for the Nigerian national team back in 2009.
 Thanasis Antetokounmpo |
#5. International forward Thanasis Antetokounmpo (199-92, currently plays in Spain) contributed to an easy victory against the closely-ranked Sevilla (7-9) crushing them 95-69 in the Spanish Liga Endesa last Sunday. Antetokounmpo scored 14 points, grabbed 8 rebounds and made 3 blocks. MoraBanc Andorra (9-7) is placed eighth in the Liga Endesa. Antetokounmpo’s overall stats this season are: 6.8ppg, 3.5rpg and 1.1bpg. He is another player who holds two passports: Nigerian and Greek. Antetokounmpo plays currently for the Nigerian national team.
 Suleiman Braimoh |
#6. Power forward Suleiman Braimoh (203-89, college: Rice, currently plays in FIBA Europe Cup) was the main contributor in Enisey‘s victory against the closely-ranked Lukoil Academic Sofia (3-2) 97-92 in the FIBA Europe Cup on Wednesday night. He was the best player in that game. Braimoh scored 17 points in a mere 19 minutes. It was the game of the round between two top 2 ranked teams in group P. Enisey Krasnoyarsk (4-1) is placed first. His team will play only one more game in the FIBA Europe Cup Second Stage. And now that game is very crucial. Braimoh’s stats this year are: 11.1ppg, 4.0rpg, 1.6apg and 1.2spg in 11 games. He has both American and Nigerian nationalities. Braimoh is an international player who is currently on the senior Nigerian National Team roster.
 Ikechukwu Diogu |
#7. International power forward Ikechukwu Diogu (204-83, college: Arizona St., currently plays in China) contributed to a Jiangsu TX‘s surprising victory against the seventh-ranked Shandong Bulls (17-12) 105-97 in the Chinese CBA in Friday night’s game. He was the top player that evening. Diogu recorded a double-double by scoring 32 points and getting 22 rebounds. Jiangsu Tongxi (7-22) is placed 17th in the CBA. This season Diogu has very high stats. He averages: 25.5ppg, 11.0rpg and 1.1apg. Diogu also holds two passports: Nigerian and American. He is also Nigerian national team player.
 Trevor Mbakwe |
#8. Power forward Trevor Mbakwe (207-89, agency: Pensack Sports, college: Minnesota, currently plays in VTB United League) helped his Russian team Zenit win their game against the league outsider Parma (0-13) crushing them 119-86 in the VTB United League last Sunday. Mbakwe scored 6 points and grabbed 5 rebounds in 15 minutes. Zenit Saint Petersburg (9-3) is placed fourth in the VTB United League. It was his team’s third consecutive victory in a row. This year Mbakwe’s overall stats are: 4.4ppg and 3.6rpg in seven games. He holds both American and Nigerian passports. Despite Mbakwe played previously for the USA university national team, he is currently in the Nigerian national team roster.
 Chamberlain Oguchi |
#9. International shooting guard Chamberlain Oguchi (196-86, college: Illinois St., currently plays in Mexico) was not able to secure a victory for Soles (17-12) in their game against Panteras (16-12) in the Mexican LNBP (second division). Despite his very good performance on Thursday night Oguchi was the top scorer with 26 points. Oguchi averaged so far 14.2ppg, 3.8rpg and 1.4apg. He is also in the roster of the Nigerian national team.
 Michael Umeh |
#10. Point guard Michael Umeh (188-84, college: UNLV, currently plays in Italy) helped Virtus Bologna win their game against the sixth-ranked Imola (6-6) crushing them 100-76 in the Italian Serie A2 (second division) in Sunday night’s game. Umeh was the top player that evening. He scored 20 points in 22 minutes. Virtus Segafredo Bologna (14-2) is placed first in East group. It was his team’s ninth consecutive victory in a row. Umeh has very impressive stats this year: 17.6ppg, 3.3rpg, 2.2apg and 1.1spg in 16 games. He holds both American and Nigerian passports. Umeh is an international player who is currently on the senior Nigerian National Team roster.
#11. Former U22 international power forward Dinma Odiakosa (203-85, agency: Inception Sports, college: Illinois St., currently plays in France) couldn’t help STB Le Havre in their game against Denain Voltaire in the French ProB (second division). Despite his very good performance last Friday He recorded a double-double by scoring 15 points and getting 12 rebounds. Odiakosa averaged so far 13.5ppg and 9.2rpg. He used to play for the Nigerian U22 national team thirteen years ago.
#12. International small forward Derrick Obasohan (198-81, also represented by BeoBasket, college: Texas Arlington, currently plays in France) helped Provence Basket win their game against the 14th-ranked Poitiers 81-63 in the French ProB (second division) on Friday night. Obasohan was the top player that evening. He scored 20 points and grabbed 6 rebounds in 27 minutes. Obasohan has very impressive stats this year: 16.1ppg, 4.1rpg and 2.3apg in 15 games. He holds both American and Nigerian passports. Obasohan is also in the roster of the Nigerian national team.
#13. International forward Al-Farouq Aminu (206-90, college: Wake Forest, currently plays in NBA) couldn’t help the Portland Trail Blazers in their game against the Washington Wizards in the NBA. Despite his good performance in Monday night’s game He recorded 12 points and grabbed 5 rebounds. Aminu’s total stats this season are: 6.8ppg, 7.0rpg and 2.3apg. He holds both American and Nigerian passports. Despite Aminu played previously for the USA U19 national team, he is currently in the Nigerian national team roster.
#14. Former international forward Aloysius Anagonye (203-81, college: Michigan St., currently plays in France) couldn’t help ALM Evreux in their game against JL Bourg in the French ProB (second division). Anagonye scored 7 points and grabbed 7 rebounds. His team was badly defeated by 19 points 76-57. Anagonye’s total stats this season are: 6.2ppg and 4.0rpg. He holds both American and Nigerian passports. Anagonye used to play for the Nigerian national team back in 2009.
#15. Former international power forward Gani Lawal (205-88, college: Georgia Tech, currently plays in Basketball Champions League) managed to help Banco di Sardegna Sassari to win against the closely-ranked EnBW Ludwigsburg 78-75 in the Basketball Champions League in Tuesday night’s game. He recorded only 2 points. Lawal’s total stats this season are: 7.8ppg and 1.8rpg. He holds both American and Nigerian passports. Lawal used to play for the Nigerian national team four years ago.
The list of other players, who all have Nigerian passport but never been selected to any of Nigerian national teams:
#1. Giannis Antetokounmpo (211-G/F-94, agency: Octagon Europe, currently plays in NBA) could not help the Milwaukee Bucks (20-21) in their last game. Despite his very good performance the Milwaukee Bucks (20-21) were badly defeated 111-92 on the road by the Houston Rockets. Antetokounmpo had a double-double by scoring 32 points and getting 11 rebounds. He also added 6 assists and 3 blocks in 37 minutes. It was Bucks’ third consecutive loss in a row. It’s Antetokounmpo’s fourth season with the team. Antetokounmpo has individually a very good year with high stats. He averages: 23.7ppg, 8.8rpg, 5.6apg, 2.1bpg and 1.8spg in 40 games he played so far. Antetokounmpo has a dual citizenship: Greek and Nigerian.
#2. Experienced Ndudi Ebi (206-F-84, currently plays in Lebanon) led Byblos to a victory against the closely-ranked Tadamon (5-5) 91-80 in the Lebanese Pepsi LBL in Saturday night’s game. He recorded a double-double by scoring 24 points and getting 18 rebounds. Ebi also added 4 blocks and 3 steals. It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. Byblos Sporting Club (8-2) is placed second in the Pepsi LBL. It was his team’s fourth consecutive victory in a row. This season Ebi has very high stats. He averages: 21.0ppg, 12.3rpg, 1.3apg, 2.3bpg and 1.3spg.
#3. Talib Zanna (206-F-90, agency: Three Eye Sports, college: Pittsburgh, currently plays in France) was not able to help JSF Nanterre (10-6) in their last game on Saturday. Despite his very good performance JSF Nanterre was defeated 84-70 on the opponent’s court by the leading Monaco. Zanna was the top scorer with 18 points. He also added 7 rebounds. It’s Zanna’s first season with the team. Zanna’s overall stats this year are: 9.5ppg and 4.5rpg.
#4. Chimezie Metu (211-F-97, currently plays college basketball in the States) contributed to a 3-point USC‘s victory against the University of Colorado (0-2) 71-68 in the NCAA last Sunday. Metu recorded 24 points and grabbed 6 rebounds in 32 minutes. The University of Southern California has 3-3 conference record this season. Metu averaged so far 14.0ppg, 7.8rpg, 1.2apg and 1.7bpg in 20 games.
#5. Anthony Odunsi (193-G-92, college: Houston Baptist, currently plays in Iceland) was not able to secure a victory for Stjarnan (10-4) in their last game on Thursday. Despite his very good performance Stjarnan was defeated 82-74 in Reykjavik by the lower-ranked IR (#9). Odunsi was the top scorer with 23 points. He also added 6 rebounds and 4 assists. This season Odunsi has very high stats. He averages: 19.5ppg, 6.0rpg and 3.5apg. Odunsi is another player who holds two passports: Nigerian and American.
#6. Zimmy Nwogbo (201-F-91, agency: Duran International, college: Cedarville, currently plays in Argentina) couldn’t help CA Platense (10-8) in their last game. Despite his very good performance CA Platense (#4) was crushed 88-67 in Trelew by the higher-ranked (#3) Huracan in the Center South group. Nwogbo was the top scorer with 25 points. He also added 5 rebounds in 35 minutes. Nwogbo averaged so far 14.3ppg and 6.7rpg in 10 games. He has both American and Nigerian nationalities.
#7. Chris Otule (211-C-90, college: Marquette, currently plays in France) was the major contributor in a Olympique Antibes‘ victory against the closely-ranked Le Portel 75-67 in the French ProA last Friday. Otule scored 15 points, grabbed 5 rebounds and made 2 blocks. Otule averaged so far 13.9ppg and 5.8rpg. He also holds two passports: Nigerian and American.
#8. Chinemelu Elonu (206-F/C-87, college: Texas A&M, currently plays in Basketball Champions League) managed to help AEK Athens in a victory against the closely-ranked Partizan 69-65 in the Basketball Champions League on Wednesday night. Elonu recorded only 3 points and blocked 2 blocks in 9 minutes on the court. This year Elonu’s total stats are: 4.3ppg, 3.0rpg and 1.3bpg in three games.
#9. Zaid Hearst (193-G, college: Quinnipiac, currently plays in Spain) couldn’t help Araberri (12-8) in their last game on Friday. Despite his very good performance Araberri was defeated 80-72 on the opponent’s court by the lower-ranked Melilla_Baloncesto (#9). Hearst was the top scorer with 32 points. He also added 4 passes. This season Hearst has very high stats. He averages: 20.2ppg, 4.6rpg, 1.4apg and 1.4spg. Hearst holds both American and Nigerian passports.
#10. Patrick Onwenu (198-F-93, college: Alcorn St., currently plays in Denmark) led Naestved to a victory over one of league’s weakest teams SISU crushing them 89-66 in the Danish Ligaen last Thursday. He was the top player that evening. Onwenu scored 19 points, had 5 rebounds and made 3 blocks in 25 minutes. Onwenu averaged so far 13.2ppg, 4.3rpg and 1.1apg in 16 games. He holds both American and Nigerian passports.