In a league that thrives on power, precision, and poise, a growing number of women with Nigerian heritage are carving their names into WNBA history, one jump shot, steal, and rebound at a time. Whether born in Lagos, London, or Los Angeles, their journeys speak of resilience, cultural duality, and global achievement.
- Michaela Onyenwere (Chicago Sky)
- Elizabeth “Ezi” Olatayo Williams (Chicago Sky)
- Okikiola “Kiki” Iriafen (Washington Mystics)
- Arike Ogunbowale (Dallas Wings)
- Titilola “Temi” Fagbenle (Golden State Valkyries)
- Nnemkadi “Nneka” Ogwumike (Seattle Storm)
- Eziyoda “Ezi” Magbegor (Seattle Storm)
- Anastasiia Olairi Kosu (Minnesota Lynx)
- Chinenye “Chiney” Ogwumike
Read also: Kiki Iriafen: WNBA star showcasing Nigerian heritage at Washington Mystics
Here are ten of the most notable players of Nigerian descent who are making their presence felt in the Women’s National Basketball Association.
Michaela Onyenwere (Chicago Sky)
Drafted sixth overall by the New York Liberty in 2021, Onyenwere made an immediate impact in her rookie year, sweeping all Rookie of the Month awards and becoming the first Liberty player to win the WNBA Rookie of the Year title. Born in the United States to Nigerian parents, her blend of athleticism and aggression earned her a spot in the Chicago Sky’s lineup by 2024. Now re-signed for the 2025 season, she continues to bring her signature feistiness and finesse to the court.
Elizabeth “Ezi” Olatayo Williams (Chicago Sky)
A veteran presence and two-time WNBA All-Defensive honouree, Williams brings shot-blocking authority and leadership to the Sky. Born in England to Nigerian parents and raised in the U.S., she first came to national prominence by leading the USA U17 team to a gold medal in 2010 and being named MVP of the tournament. Now 32, she remains a stabilising force in Chicago’s frontcourt.
Okikiola “Kiki” Iriafen (Washington Mystics)
One of the WNBA’s most exciting young prospects, Iriafen was drafted fourth overall in 2025 by the Washington Mystics. Just 21, the Nigerian-American forward wasted no time, being named May’s Rookie of the Month after averaging nearly 14 points and over 10 rebounds per game. Her relentless hustle and evolving skill set hint at a dominant future.
Arike Ogunbowale (Dallas Wings)
Arike Ogunbowale, 28, is arguably one of the league’s most recognisable stars. Ogunbowale’s flair for the dramatic began at Notre Dame, where she hit back-to-back game-winners in the 2018 NCAA Final Four. Drafted fifth overall by the Dallas Wings in 2019, she’s become a consistent scoring threat, earning All-Star MVP honours in 2021 and 2024. Her 34-point performance in the 2024 All-Star Game set a new scoring record.
Titilola “Temi” Fagbenle (Golden State Valkyries)
A seasoned international player with roots in Baltimore, Lagos, and London, Fagbenle was selected in the 2025 WNBA expansion draft by the Golden State Valkyries. The 32-year-old centre previously won a WNBA championship with the Minnesota Lynx in her 2017 rookie season. With a EuroCup title and multiple domestic championships in Europe under her belt, she brings global experience to the league’s newest franchise.
Nnemkadi “Nneka” Ogwumike (Seattle Storm)
A former league MVP, six-time All-Star, and longtime union leader, Nneka Ogwumike is one of the most respected figures in women’s basketball. After 12 seasons with the Los Angeles Sparks, she joined the Seattle Storm in 2024. Born to Nigerian parents in Texas, she was named WNBA MVP in 2016 and has continued to set records, including the most consecutive field goals made (23). Off the court, she has led the WNBA Players Association since 2016.
Eziyoda “Ezi” Magbegor (Seattle Storm)
A rising star with Nigerian roots, Magbegor plays internationally for Australia and professionally for the Seattle Storm. Born in New Zealand, she helped the Australian Opals win bronze at the 2024 Paris Olympics, delivering a 30-point masterclass in the medal match. At 25, she is already a two-time All-Defensive selection in the WNBA and remains one of the most versatile forwards in the league.
Read also: Washington Mystics pick Nigerian-American Kiki Iriafen in WNBA Draft
Anastasiia Olairi Kosu (Minnesota Lynx)
Kosu, 20, represents a new generation of transnational athletes. Of Nigerian-Russian descent, she began her professional career in Europe before being drafted 15th overall by the Minnesota Lynx in 2025. Known for her powerful play and accolades in the Russian Premier League, including Eurobasket.com’s Player of the Year.
Chinenye “Chiney” Ogwumike
The younger sister of Nneka, Chiney Ogwumike, made her mark on and off the court. Though currently unsigned, the 33-year-old is a former All-Star who transitioned seamlessly into the media. She became the first Black woman and WNBA player to host a national ESPN radio show, while also serving as an NBA and WNBA analyst. A Stanford graduate with a degree in international relations, she exemplifies the scholar-athlete archetype.
