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Six Nigerians Selected in NBA Draft as Lagos Basketball Talent Shines on Global Stage

Felix Okpara, Ugonna Onyenso and four others join NBA teams after Barclays Centre selection; marks milestone for Nigerian sports development

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3 months ago

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Felix Okpara, Ugonna Onyenso and four others join NBA teams after Barclays Centre selection; marks milestone for Nigerian sports development

Six Nigerian basketballers have been selected by various clubs during the 2026 NBA Draft held at the Barclays Centre in Brooklyn, New York, on Wednesday. The draftees—Felix Okpara, Ebuka Okorie, Zubby Ejiofor, Otega Oweh, Tobi Lawal and Ugonna Onyenso—are among over ten African players picked in this year’s draft, underlining Nigeria’s growing influence in global basketball.

The selection process saw Felix Okpara drafted 46th overall by Orlando Magic and Ugonna Onyenso chosen 53rd by Houston Rockets. This marks only the second occasion that two Nigerians have been picked in the same NBA draft class. Onyenso also became the third alumnus of NBA Academy Africa—and fifteenth overall from any NBA Academy—to earn a spot in the world’s premier basketball league.

Ebuka Okorie of Stanford University was selected as the 17th overall pick by Oklahoma City Thunder. However, as part of a multi-team trade arrangement, Okorie’s rights are set to move first to Memphis Grizzlies and finally to Detroit Pistons. Zubby Ejiofor was drafted from St John’s University at number 23 by Atlanta Hawks, while Otega Oweh of University of Kentucky was picked 41st by Miami Heat. Oweh’s draft rights are expected to be transferred to Oklahoma City Thunder through another planned trade.

The strong presence of Nigerian players at this year’s draft reflects years of development and investment in grassroots basketball across major cities such as Lagos and Abuja. Local coaches have said that exposure through programmes like the NBA Academy Africa has provided young athletes with opportunities previously out of reach.

Basketball analysts believe this wave of Nigerian draftees could inspire further interest among youths nationwide. “These selections show that our talent is now recognised globally,” one Lagos-based coach observed after the draft announcement. Stakeholders in the Nigerian Basketball Federation have congratulated all selected players and encouraged others to keep striving for excellence.

With these new signings, attention will turn to how quickly these young Nigerians can adapt to the demands of professional basketball abroad. The NBA season begins later this year, with many fans at home eager to watch their countrymen make an impact on the world stage.

Source: https://guardian.ng/sport/six-nigerians-10-africans-drafted-into-nba-teams/

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Delta Police Arrest Two Suspected Cable Vandals in Ndokwa West

One suspect hospitalised after attempted escape as police recover stolen electric cables along Ibabu–Ugiliamai Road

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3 months ago

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June 27, 2026

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One suspect hospitalised after attempted escape as police recover stolen electric cables along Ibabu–Ugiliamai Road

Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have arrested two individuals suspected of vandalising electric cables in Ndokwa West Local Government Area on Tuesday, 25 June. The suspects were apprehended around 10:30pm along the Ibabu–Ugiliamai Road following a joint operation involving officers from Kwale Police Station and members of the local vigilante group.

According to a statement issued by Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, the security team acted swiftly on credible intelligence that some persons were removing and stealing electric cables in the area. Upon sighting law enforcement, the suspects attempted to flee the scene, resulting in one of them sustaining injuries during the pursuit. The injured suspect is currently receiving medical attention, while the other is in police custody.

Cable vandalism has become a significant concern in Delta State and across Nigeria, often leading to prolonged power outages and financial losses for communities. The state government has repeatedly called for increased vigilance by residents and closer collaboration with security agencies to combat such crimes.

SP Edafe stated that investigations are ongoing to determine if other individuals are involved in the syndicate. “We urge members of the public to continue providing timely information that can help us protect public infrastructure,” Edafe said in Thursday’s press release.

The police command assured residents that efforts will be intensified to prevent further incidents of cable theft in Ndokwa West and neighbouring communities. Authorities also reminded residents that anyone found engaging in vandalism or aiding such activities would face prosecution according to Nigerian law.

Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/delta-police-arrest-two-suspected-cable-vandals/

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Trump Claims US Military Strikes in Borno Prevented Mass Killing of Christians by ISWAP

Former US president says American intervention curbed attacks; Nigerian government yet to issue official response

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3 months ago

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June 27, 2026

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Former US president says American intervention curbed attacks; Nigerian government yet to issue official response

Former United States President Donald Trump has stated that military strikes authorised by his administration in Borno State helped prevent the mass killing of Christians by militants linked to Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). Trump made this assertion on Friday during an event held in Washington, where he defended his decision to target terrorist groups operating in Nigeria’s North-East region.

According to Trump, the US military operations significantly reduced attacks on Christian communities in Borno and neighbouring states, which had been facing repeated assaults from ISWAP fighters. He said, “As you know, we recently struck Nigeria and largely ended the slaughter of great Christian populations. They have a great Christian population. They were being butchered—thousands and thousands of people were being killed, children, women, old people, just being slaughtered, hacked to death.”

Trump added that the American intervention sent a strong warning to the militants responsible for these attacks. He claimed the strikes discouraged further violence against religious minorities in the region. The former president did not provide specific details regarding the timing or scale of the US operations referenced.

The Nigerian government and security agencies are yet to release any official statement confirming the reported strikes or commenting on Trump’s claims as at press time. In previous years, Borno State and other parts of North-East Nigeria have witnessed repeated attacks targeting both Muslim and Christian communities by various armed groups, including ISWAP and Boko Haram.

Security analysts say international military cooperation is often conducted discreetly and that foreign involvement in counter-insurgency operations can carry both diplomatic and security implications for Nigeria. The opposition could not be immediately reached for comment regarding Trump’s statements.

Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/national/us-strikes-in-nigeria-prevented-mass-killing-of-christians-trump/

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Former Super Eagles Coach Adegboye Onigbinde Laid to Rest in Modakeke, Osun State

Onigbinde, who led Nigeria to the 2002 FIFA World Cup, remembered for his legacy in Nigerian football

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3 months ago

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June 27, 2026

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Onigbinde, who led Nigeria to the 2002 FIFA World Cup, remembered for his legacy in Nigerian football

Adegboye Onigbinde, the former head coach of the Super Eagles, was buried on Saturday in Modakeke, Osun State. The burial ceremony drew family members, friends, and football stakeholders who came together to pay their last respects to the veteran tactician.

Onigbinde’s funeral was held at his hometown of Modakeke, marking the end of an era for one of Nigeria’s most respected football coaches. Attendees described him as a disciplinarian and a mentor whose contribution to Nigerian football development spanned decades. Many local residents and members of the football community gathered to honour his memory.

Onigbinde rose to national prominence when he managed the Super Eagles at the 2002 FIFA World Cup. He is credited with nurturing young talent and promoting professionalism in Nigerian football. His death is considered a significant loss by many in the sports fraternity, particularly those from Osun State and across the South-West geopolitical zone.

Though details of official statements were not available at press time, tributes have continued to pour in from fans and former players who worked with Onigbinde during his long career. They praised his dedication and commitment to raising the profile of Nigerian football on the world stage.

As Nigerians reflect on Onigbinde’s enduring legacy, sports analysts note that his impact will continue through coaches and players he mentored over the years. The Nigerian Football Federation is expected to organise further commemorative events in honour of his service.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/sports/football/891151-former-super-eagles-coach-adegboye-onigbinde-buried-in-modakeke.html

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