![]() Joie Jacoby is set to direct the film, which will tell the sisters' inspiring story of excellence - exploring their triumph, struggles, and the family's Nigerian roots along the way. The Ogwumike sisters have dual citizenship with the United States and Nigeria.Ī documentary about the Ogwumikes is currently in development, led by Libby Geist at Words & Pictures, together with Lena Waithe and Rishi Rajani at Hillman Grad. The Ogwumikes' parents, Peter and Ify, were both born in Nigeria and immigrated to the United States, where their daughters were born. Sources said Chiney Ogwumike is also expected to appeal FIBA's ruling on her status.Įrica Ogwumike was approved to play for Nigeria without any conditions, essentially giving the three Ogwumike sisters three different statuses by FIBA. She is also required to pay $5,000 Swiss Francs (approximately $5,468). 1 overall pick who now stars with her older sister for the Los Angeles Sparks, was approved to play for Nigeria as a naturalized player, a condition that could affect the rest of the Nigerian roster as only one player can have that status. I'm hoping it will contribute to the growth we're experiencing for Africa in basketball."Ĭhiney Ogwumike, a former No. Ogwumike had sought to play for Nigeria with her two sisters, Chiney and Erica, previously telling ESPN, "It's something I know my family would be very proud of. ![]() Nneka Ogwumike last competed internationally for the United States three years ago in the 2018 World Cup. They can compete for a different country three years after they competed for their previous country. The IOC rules only require an athlete to be nationalized by the country they're competing for. One of FIBA's pillars of emphasis currently is the growth of women's basketball worldwide. However, according to FIBA's regulations on player eligibility, the organization's secretary general may authorize a player to compete for the national team of his or her country of origin if this is in the interest of the growth of basketball in that country. Generally, if players have competed for the United States in FIBA-sanctioned events after having reached their 17th birthday, they are not allowed to play for another country in a FIBA event. It is also out rightly discriminatory because players of African descent are approved to play for other countries constantly but the reverse is not the case."Įach player was given consent by USA Basketball to play for Nigeria, paid an administrative fee of $10,000 to do so and holds a Nigerian passport. The letter, which was obtained by ESPN, stated: "We do tacitly believe there are undercurrents and motivation for such a decision which is repugnant to natural justice, equity and good conscience. The Federation wrote that Ogwumike and Williams were "two of the top players that would have made our team one of the strongest at the Games." ![]() The Nigerian Basketball Federation filed an appeal to FIBA on behalf of Ogwumike and Elizabeth Williams, the Atlanta Dream center who was also denied because of previous involvement with Team USA. FIBA could also allow Ogwumike to participate until there is a hearing. The court could expedite a full hearing if both sides agree. Ogwumike is exploring all her options, including a possible application to the Court of Arbitration in Sport, sources said. Former WNBA MVP Nneka Ogwumike was notified by FIBA that her petition to play for her native Nigeria in the upcoming Tokyo Olympics was denied due to "substantial involvement" of more than 10 years with Team USA, sources told ESPN on Wednesday.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |