Nigeria News (Standard)
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
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/
Nigeria News (Standard)
Ex-UNILAG Don Hails Tinubu’s State Police Proposal as Timely Initiative
Former university lecturer describes move as step towards addressing insecurity; calls for inclusive implementation framework
Former university lecturer describes move as step towards addressing insecurity; calls for inclusive implementation framework
A former lecturer at the University of Lagos has commended President Bola Tinubu’s proposal for the establishment of state police across Nigeria, describing the initiative as a timely response to ongoing security challenges. The endorsement came on Friday, 26 June, following Tinubu’s renewed push for state-level policing structures to tackle rising incidents of banditry and armed attacks nationwide.
The ex-UNILAG academic argued that empowering state governments with their own police formations would boost rapid response to localised threats and improve accountability in law enforcement. He stated that the federal government’s current centralised policing model has struggled to contain complex security issues in various regions, especially in the North-West and South-East geopolitical zones.
Calls for state police have intensified in recent years amid persistent security breaches and demands from state governors and civil society groups for decentralised policing. Proponents believe that locally controlled police will be better equipped to understand and address the unique concerns of their communities, while opponents worry about possible political misuse by state authorities.
“This move is long overdue and should be backed by a comprehensive legal framework to ensure checks and balances,” the ex-don said. He urged stakeholders at both federal and state levels, including lawmakers from the APC, PDP, LP, and NNPP, to support relevant constitutional amendments in order to make state police a reality. Opposition voices have previously cautioned against hasty implementation without adequate safeguards for human rights.
As at press time, President Tinubu has directed relevant ministries and agencies to begin consultations with key stakeholders. Legislative debate on the proposal is expected in the coming weeks, with public hearings likely to follow. Security experts say a successful transition to state policing could mark a major shift in Nigeria’s approach to internal security.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Super Eagles Goalkeeper Nwabali Nears Saudi Club Move After Chippa United Exit
Sources say Saudi club leads race for Rivers-born keeper as Israeli interest fades; transfer could finalise this week
Sources say Saudi club leads race for Rivers-born keeper as Israeli interest fades; transfer could finalise this week
Stanley Nwabali, the Super Eagles goalkeeper who hails from Rivers State, is set to seal a move to a Saudi Arabian club after leaving Chippa United in South Africa earlier this year. The development comes as at Wednesday, with sources close to the player indicating that talks with a Saudi side have intensified and may conclude before the end of the week.
Nwabali, who parted ways with Chippa United following the conclusion of the 2025/26 season, has attracted significant attention due to his strong performances for Nigeria at international level. While clubs in Israel previously showed interest in signing him, those options have now taken a back seat as negotiations with a Saudi club move forward. Reports indicate that the unnamed Saudi club has been impressed by Nwabali’s experience and sees him as a valuable addition capable of strengthening their squad ahead of the new campaign.
The transfer is seen as significant for both Nwabali and Nigerian football fans, given his recent rise to prominence as Super Eagles’ first-choice goalkeeper. His leadership and consistency between the posts earned plaudits during Nigeria’s recent international fixtures, even as the national team missed out on qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. His next destination is closely watched by stakeholders keen on seeing more Nigerian talent excel abroad.
A source familiar with the situation told reporters that negotiations are at an advanced stage. “At the moment, Saudi Arabia looks like the most likely destination. The club involved likes his profile and believes he can add experience and quality to their squad. There could be some developments by the end of this week if everything goes according to plan,” the source said.
If finalised, Nwabali’s move would mark another high-profile transfer involving a Nigerian player to the Middle East in recent years, reflecting growing opportunities for homegrown talents outside traditional European leagues. Fans and analysts are now watching closely for an official announcement from both Nwabali and his prospective new club.
Source: https://guardian.ng/sport/stanley-nwabali-set-to-join-saudi-club/
Nigeria News (Standard)
Cape Verde Holds Uruguay to 2–2 Draw in Historic World Cup Debut at Miami Stadium
Coach Bubista says team aims to showcase Cape Verdean culture as small island nation surprises global football audience
Coach Bubista says team aims to showcase Cape Verdean culture as small island nation surprises global football audience
Cape Verde, a Portuguese-speaking island country off West Africa with a population of about 600,000, forced its way into the global football conversation on Sunday by holding Uruguay to a dramatic 2–2 draw at Miami Stadium in their debut FIFA World Cup appearance. The Blue Sharks earlier opened their campaign with a goalless draw against Spain, marking a remarkable start for the tournament’s underdogs.
In the Sunday match, Kevin Pina scored Cape Verde’s first-ever World Cup goal with an impressive free kick from over 30 metres, while substitute Helio Varela netted the late equaliser in the second half. These performances saw fans waving flags and celebrating as Cape Verde matched up against footballing giants, defying expectations tied to their modest population size.
The result has sparked pride across Africa, as Cape Verde joins other nations in representing the continent on world football’s biggest stage. For many Nigerians, especially those following Super Eagles’ performances at previous tournaments, Cape Verde’s feat demonstrates how smaller teams can make an impact when given an opportunity.
Coach Pedro Leitão Brito, popularly known as Bubista, stated that the squad’s ambition was not just about results but also about showing the world Cape Verdean identity. “We want people to know our culture, music, history and supporters,” Bubista said after the match. Supporters echoed his sentiments as social media buzzed with praise for the team’s discipline and resilience.
With two draws from their opening games, Cape Verde remains unbeaten at their first World Cup outing and will look to build on this momentum in their next fixture. Analysts say this performance could inspire other African nations and increase interest in grassroots football development across West Africa.
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