2016 WNBA MVP and Seattle Storm star Nneka Ogwumike said she is awaiting FIBA’s greenlight to represent Nigeria after ditching the United States women’s basketball in 2020.
Ogwumike was named in D’Tigress’ provisional squad for the Paris 2024 Olympics but she failed to make the final selection after her nationality switch was turned down by the world basketball governing body.
The 35-year-old who is a two-time World Cup winner with the United States in 2014 and 2018, has once again confirmed that the chapter with the USA is closed with aspirations to play for Nigeria.
The Texas-born star is hoping to wear Nigeria’s green and white jersey at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
“The application for changes of my nationality is in the works since I said that I was not playing for USA anymore, so we are just waiting to hear back from FIBA,” Ogwumike said.
“Hopefully, I can still represent Nigeria at the next Olympics, maybe.”
Ogwumike has been a shining light for Seattle Storm in the ongoing WNBA season, averaging 17 points and 8 rebounds in the 20 games played so far.
She has been selected for her 10th WNBA All-Star game and she will start for the Team Napheesa Collier at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse on July 20.
She said: “I think anybody who’s a part of the WNBA, who’s a fan of the WNBA wants to see expansion.
“I’m grateful to see it grow. I’m grateful to be a part of it as it is growing and here is to more expansion.
“We’re going to have more teams next year, too.”