OLUMIDE OYEDEJI CELEBRATES 5TH ANNIVERSARY OF AFROBASKETBALL TITLE

One of Nigeria’s most celebrated basketball player, Olumide Oyedeji, is still nostalgic of the country’s win at the Afrobasket Championship, which is in its fifth year as well as his fourth year of retirement from the national team.

Oyedeji, who captained Team Nigeria to London Olympic Games in 2012 is presently the president of the Nigerian Olympian Association and chairman of the Nigeria Basketball Premier League League Management Board, had played professional basketball in 19 different countries of the world after his start at the famous American NBA.

Oyedeji, who is also presently a youth ambassador of NBA Africa, recalled last night in Lagos that, he will never forget 30th of August 2015, the day the Nigerian team he captained won the Afrobasket trophy first time in 50 years, after falling short of the title four times in 1997, 1999, 2003 and 2013.

The former NBA star and proprietor of Nigeria’s Premier League club, Hoops and Read, said, he was proud to finally win the title after nine Afrobasket appearances and coming short four times.

In spite all these near misses and failures, the Nigerian team didn’t give up. “I give thumbs up to all my wonderful teammates that made the 2015 victory possible.

“After the painful loss to Senegal in 2013 and had earlier garnered more experiences and exposure at the London 2012 Olympics, Nigeria’s first Olympic basketball appearance, we were determined to win the next edition of the Afrobasket and wanted to be part of the history of Nigerian Basketball.

“Great job by all the coaches for their wonderful contributions and sleepless nights.” Oyedeji also appreciated God for giving him the privilege to lead the wonderful players as they served and brought glory to our beloved country.