₦airaland Forum

When The Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) announced that Nneka Ogwumike alongside Chiney will be among the 15 man provisional list for the D’tigress of Nigeria, Many Nigerians began to wonder how that materialized, as Nneka previously represented team USA in various competitions.

In this article, Ojbsports Kenny Bamidele examines article 3-37 of FIBA rules, talking about Transfer Procedure – Duties of Member Federations.

FIBA states that, when a National team gets a request for a license from a player who was previously licensed with another federation, it must obtain a letter of clearance on behalf of the player from FIBA.

“Whenever a national member federation receives a request for a license for any player who was licensed previously by another national federation, before granting such a license in accordance with its own regulations, it must obtain a letter of clearance on behalf of the player concerned.”

With these rules stated above, all Nneka is waiting for right now is a clearance from FIBA, which should happen before the Mundial kick-starts.

Meanwhile there is more to it. A clearance must be obtained from the player’s last federation before he/she will be given another license for another member federation. That was why Nneka contacted USA Basketball and told them she was interested in pursuing a chance to play with Nigeria. With reports, the United State of America Basketball has released the duo of Nneka and Chiney, which was required since both previously have competed for the United States in FIBA-sanctioned events.

“A letter of clearance must be obtained from the national member federation where a player was last licensed before he can be licensed by another member federation. A copy of each letter of clearance must be sent (also by email) to FIBA. This document certifies that the player concerned is free to be licensed by another member federation.”

It must be noted that if these players have done that after reaching their 17th birthday, they will not be allowed to play for a different country in a FIBA event. 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. And one of the pillars of FIBA is placing priority on the growth of women’s basketball worldwide, which could favor the decision for Nneka and Chiney getting to play for Nigeria.

On the other hand the youngest of the trio, Erica Ogwumike committed to playing for Nigerian team last year, as she has never played for Team USA in a FIBA-sanctioned event. Executive producer for 144, Chiney Ogwumike weighed the possibility of representing Nigeria about two months ago.

The truth about this matter is that, a lot has been said as to Nneka Ogwumike eligibility to play for Nigeria, but as things stands, her decision is not unruly.

JohnBullMySon:
I often wonder how you guys do this

Redman44:
. I am not happy about this development. The NBBF should not support this last minute hustle to play for Nigeria by Nneka and Chiney Ogwumike. It will lead to a lot of confusion in the Dtigress squad. So the likes of Victoria Macaulay and ify ibekwe will make way for Nneka? It is too late in the day for this. Nneka Ogwumike should have declared for Nigeria since 2019. Not now when she has been dropped by the USA.

Jodera:
Yeah, was initially called but got injury before copa started. Was replaced by Willian who was on the standby list.

isan:
They play over 15 games in a year , imagine super falcons playing 15 games in a year how good would they be ? they will be so high in the Fifa ranking which will give them easy group in the world cup instead of death everytime

odizeey:
Remember say Neymar never win am

Enough motivation to tear the Messi apart.

carbonado:
Thanks PDPGuy, we will miss Evelyn. I am shocked that Diogu( d'tigers captain) is mot going to the Olympics.

JorgedeToledo:
Thanks PDPGuy.

Nneka and Chinney Ogwumike have played for the senior team of the USA including the world cup.
How can they be eligible to play for the d'tigress?

somehow:
I thought it used to be much before now..

For the women’s national team, coach Otis Hughley listed three new players — Erica Ogwumike, Oderah Chidom and Elizabeth Williams — in his squad.

Ogwumike’s sisters Nneka, a World Cup winner with the US in 2014 and 2018, and Chiney, also made the squad.

The other players who made the squad are Adaora Elonu, Aisha Balarabe, Amy Amukamara, Atonye Nyingifa, Ezinne Kalu, Pallas Kunayi-Akpanah, Ifunaya Ibekwe, Amy Okonkwo and Victoria Macauley.

Also, exciting power forward Evelyn Akhator missed out from D’Tigress squad for the Olympics, following COVID-19 travel restrictions, which prevented her from joining the other players in camp in the United States.

D’Tigress are drawn against USA, France and hosts Japan.

It was gathered that head coach Mike Brown listed four debutants in the squad – Miami Heat trio Precious Achiuwa, Kezie Okpala and Miye Oni and Detroit Pistons’ Jahlil Okafor.

Other players listed in the squad are Josh Okogie (Minnesota Timberwolves), Jordan Nwora (Milwaukee Bucks), Chimezie Metu (Sacramento Kings), Ike Iroegbu (Elan Chalon, France), Michael Gbinije (BC Nevezie, Lithuania), Obi Emegano (Fuenlabrada, Spain), Calab Agada (Hapoel Be’er Sheva), Stanley Okoye (Herbalife Gran Canaria), Miye Oni (Utah Jazz), Ekpe Udoh (Beijing RF, China), Chima Moneke (Orleans, France)

marvin906:
Guys are we expecting any new call up to the team cause seriously some home based players need to go..
And what's the update on ashleigh call up

somehow:
Only 12 countries?

Danielnino00:
The complete group!!

Timiofak:
Happy 4th my man

Here in philly, them wan kill us with fireworks oooo

Unlimited22:
Third?

pocohantas:
Stop wearing butt-pad, it is disrespectful those who have natural big nyash.

enomakos:
Michael Eric had pulled out of the Olympic
Sad