Tonye Jekiri's double-double lands him Player of the Week award among Nigerians playing currently abroad:

Here is the weekly review of the top performing Nigerian players, who play currently abroad.

Tonye Jekiri

   #1. This week's number one is an international center Tonye Jekiri (212-94, agency: Network Sports International, college: Miami, FL, currently plays in France). He could not help ASVEL Lyon-Villeurbanne Basket (19-4) in their last game. Despite Jekiri's good performance ASVEL Lyon-Villeurbanne Basket lost 69-79 on the road to the lower-ranked (#4) Levallois. He had a double-double by scoring 12 points and getting 11 rebounds in 23 minutes on the court. This year Jekiri averages: 7.5ppg, 6.2rpg, 1.5apg, 2FGP: 60.6%(60-99) and FT: 68.8% in 19 games he played so far. He is currently a member of the Nigerian senior national team.

Jeleel Akindele

   #2. Second place goes to an experienced international center Jeleel Akindele (216-83, agency: BeoBasket, college: Chicago St., currently plays in Mexico). He was the major contributor in a Fuerza Regia's victory against the leader Soles (29-7) 88-78 in the Mexican LNBP (second division) on Tuesday night. Akindele scored 16 points and grabbed 9 rebounds. It was the game of the round between two top 3 ranked teams in group East. Fuerza Regia Monterrey (24-12) is placed third. It was his team's fifth consecutive victory in a row. Akindele's overall stats this season are: 8.6ppg, 4.8rpg, 1.2apg, 2FGP: 51.9% and FT: 53.5%. He is in the roster of the Nigerian senior national team.

Emmanuel Omogbo

   #3. The Nigerian player who performed third best last week abroad was former international forward Emmanuel Omogbo (203-95, college: Colorado St., currently plays in Italy). Omogbo led Edilnol Bl to a victory against the 14th-ranked Bergamo Bsk (4-19) 89-76 in the Italian Serie A2 (second division) in Saturday night's game. He scored 18 points and grabbed 9 rebounds in 28 minutes; quite an impressive performance considering it's only Omogbo's third season in pro basketball. Edilnol Pallacanestro Biella (14-9) is placed fourth in West group. There are only three games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game will be critical. Omogbo has relatively good stats this year: 11.8ppg, 7.2rpg, 1.1apg, 2FGP: 49.0%, 3FGP: 27.1% and FT: 75.0% in 23 games. He has a dual citizenship: Nigerian and American. Omogbo played for the Nigerian national team two years ago.

Ekenechukwu Ibekwe

   #4. Center Ekenechukwu Ibekwe (207-85, college: Maryland, currently plays in France) was not able to help Pau-Lacq-Orthez (12-10) in their last game on Friday. Despite his very good performance Pau-Lacq-Orthez was crushed 84-62 in Bourg by the higher-ranked JL Bourg (#5). Ibekwe was the top scorer with 20 points. He also added 7 rebounds. Ibekwe's overall stats this season are: 9.3ppg, 6.4rpg and 1.3apg. He is another player who holds two passports: Nigerian and American. Ibekwe is also Nigerian national team player.

Josh Okogie

   #5. International guard Josh Okogie (193-98, college: Georgia Tech, currently plays in NBA) contributed to an easy victory against the Los Angeles Clippers (37-17) crushing them 142-115 in the NBA on Saturday night. He scored 15 points; not bad, considering it's only Okogie's second season in pro basketball. The Minnesota Timberwolves have rather weak 16-37 record this season. This year Okogie has relatively solid stats: 8.6ppg, 4.3rpg, 1.6apg and 1.1spg. He has both American and Nigerian nationalities. Despite Okogie played previously for the USA U19 national team, he is currently in the Nigerian national team roster.

Micheal Eric

   #6. Center Micheal Eric (210-88, college: Temple, currently plays in Spain) contributed to Baskonia's victory against the 13th-ranked Blusens Monbus (9-12) 83-69 in the Spanish Liga Endesa in Sunday night's game. Eric scored 11 points and grabbed 5 rebounds in a mere 17 minutes. Kirolbet Baskonia Vitoria (10-8) is placed eighth in the Liga Endesa. This year Eric's overall stats are: 7.1ppg and 3.6rpg in 19 games. He is an international player who is currently on the senior Nigerian National Team roster.

Abdullahi Kuso

   #7. Former international forward Abdullahi Kuso (206-84, college: Tallahassee CC, currently plays in Japan) contributed to Gunma's victory against the third-ranked Cyberdyne Ibaraki Robots (23-18) 79-73 in the Japanese B2 League on Saturday night. He recorded 16 points and grabbed 9 rebounds in 38 minutes. It was the game of the round between two top 3 ranked teams in group East. Gunma Crane Thunders (27-13) are placed second. It was his team's third consecutive victory in a row. Kuso has reliable stats this year: 13.1ppg, 9.7rpg, 2.6apg, 1.2bpg and 1.2spg in 33 games. He used to play for the Nigerian national team thirteen years ago.

Gani Lawal

   #8. Power forward Gani Lawal (206-88, agency: PEPI SPORT, college: Georgia Tech, currently plays in Japan) was not able to secure a victory for Fukuoka Rizing (11-30) in their last game on Sunday. Despite his very good performance the sixth-placed Fukuoka Rizing (11-30) was defeated 93-86 in Kumamoto by the higher-ranked Volters (#5) in the West group. Lawal was the top scorer with 24 points. He also added 9 rebounds. It was his first game for Fukuoka Rizing this season. Lawal also holds two passports: Nigerian and American. He used to play for the Nigerian national team back in 2013.

Talib Zanna

   #9. International power forward Talib Zanna (206-90, college: Pittsburgh, currently plays in Turkey) couldn't help the league outsider Afyon Bld (0-18) in their game against Galatasaray (13-6) in the Turkish BSL. Zanna recorded 8 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in 29 minutes. Afyon Bld lost 77-83 in Istanbul to the higher-ranked (#5) Galatasaray. So far Afyon Bld lost all eighteen games in the Regular Season. Zanna's stats this year are: 13.8ppg, 9.5rpg, 1.6apg and 1.3spg in 19 games. He is also in the roster of the Nigerian national team.

Daniel Ochefu

   #10. Forward Daniel Ochefu (211-93, college: Villanova, currently plays in Japan) faced previously mentioned Abdullahi Kuso in the Japanese B2 League last game. Ochefu couldn't help Cyberdyne Ibaraki Robots (23-18) in their last game. Despite his good performance Cyberdyne Ibaraki Robots (#3) lost 73-79 on the opponent's court to the second-ranked Gunma in the East group. Ochefu had a double-double by scoring 11 points and getting 15 rebounds. He also added 5 assists in 34 minutes. It's Ochefu's first season with the team. Ochefu averaged so far 13.6ppg, 11.5rpg, 3.6apg, 1.3bpg and 1.5spg in 31 games. He is a former international player as three years ago he still played for the Nigerian senior national team.

   #11. International guard Obi Emegano (189-93, college: ORU, currently plays in France) contributed to an easy victory against the league outsider Le Portel crushing them 109-80 in the French Jeep ELITE ProA last Saturday. Emegano scored 14 points. He averaged so far 13.2ppg, 3.0rpg and 1.8apg. Emegano plays currently for the Nigerian national team.

   #12. International forward Jordan Nwora (203-98, currently plays college basketball in the States) contributed to Louisville's victory against the The University of Virginia 80-73 in the NCAA on Saturday night. He scored 22 points and grabbed 7 rebounds in 37 minutes. Nwora has individually a very good year with high stats. He averages: 18.8ppg, 7.2rpg and 1.3apg in 25 games. Nwora holds both American and Nigerian passports. He is also in the roster of the Nigerian national team.

   #13. Former international guard Caleb Agada (196-94, agency: Blacktop Management, college: Ottawa, currently plays in Spain) couldn't help Melilla Baloncesto in their game against Caceres Basket in the Spanish LEB Gold (second division), despite his very good performance last Friday. Agada was the top scorer with 17 points. He also added 5 rebounds and made 3 blocks in 32 minutes. But his team lost 52-58. Agada has very impressive stats this year: 15.4ppg, 5.4rpg, 3.7apg and 2.1spg in 21 games. Despite he played previously for the Canadian university national team, Agada is currently in the Nigerian national team roster.

   #14. Former international forward Andy Ogide (204-87, agency: HMS, college: Colorado St., currently plays in Italy) led San Severo to a victory over the 11th-ranked JuveCaserta 86-77 in the Italian Serie A2 (second division) in Thursday night's game. He was MVP of the game. Ogide recorded a double-double by scoring 29 points and getting 12 rebounds. He also added 3 assists. This season Ogide has very high stats. He averages: 18.7ppg and 7.9rpg. Ogide used to play for the Nigerian national team back in 2016.

   #15. Former U22 international power forward Dinma Odiakosa (203-85, college: Illinois St., currently plays in France) couldn't help one of league's weakest teams Sluc Nancy in their game against Quimper UJAP in the French ProB (second division). He scored 6 points and grabbed 8 rebounds. His team was defeated 75-69. Odiakosa's total stats this season are: 6.4ppg and 5.9rpg. He used to play for the Nigerian U22 national team sixteen years ago.


The list of other players, who all have Nigerian passport but never been selected to any of Nigerian national teams:

   #1. Giannis Antetokounmpo (211-G/F-94, agency: Octagon Europe, currently plays in NBA) led Milwaukee Bucks to a victory over the Philadelphia 76ers (34-21) 112-101 in the NBA in Thursday night's game. He was MVP of the game. Antetokounmpo had a double-double by scoring 36 points and getting 20 rebounds. He also added 6 assists in 35 minutes. The Milwaukee Bucks have a very solid 46-8 record this season. It was his team's fifth consecutive victory in a row. It's Antetokounmpo's seventh year with the team. Antetokounmpo has individually a very good season with high stats. He averages: 30.0ppg, 13.5rpg, 5.8apg, 1.1bpg and 1.1spg in 48 games he played so far. Antetokounmpo has a dual citizenship: Greek and Nigerian.

   #2. Rasheed Sulaimon (193-G-94, college: Maryland, currently plays in France) was the main contributor in a JDA Dijon's victory against the 11th-ranked Pau-Lacq-Orthez (9-14) 81-64 in the French Jeep ELITE ProA last Tuesday. He was MVP of the game. Sulaimon scored 18 points and added 3 passes. JDA Dijon Bourgogne (20-3) is placed second in the Jeep ELITE ProA. It was his team's 13th consecutive victory in a row. It's Sulaimon's first season with the team. He has relatively good stats this year: 12.7ppg, 3.4rpg, 3.6apg and 1.3spg. Sulaimon is another player who holds two passports: Nigerian and American. Despite his Nigerian nationality, Sulaimon previously played for the USA U19 national team and is probably not eligible to play for the Nigerian team.

   #3. Chris Otule (211-C-90, also represented by Octagon Europe, college: Marquette, currently plays in Japan) contributed to an easy victory against the third-ranked Orange Vikings (21-20) crushing them 89-60 in the Japanese B2 League in Sunday night's game. Otule was MVP of the game. He recorded a double-double by scoring 30 points and getting 12 rebounds. It was the game of the round between two top 3 ranked teams in group Central. Toyotsu Fighting Eagles Nagoya (21-20) is placed third. This season Otule has very high stats. He averages: 18.1ppg, 7.3rpg and 1.8apg. Otule has both American and Nigerian nationalities.

   #4. Retin Obasohan (191-G-93, college: Alabama, currently plays in Germany) contributed to a Brose Baskets' victory against one of league's weakest teams Hamburg (3-15) 77-66 in the German BBL last Tuesday. He was MVP of the game. Obasohan scored 15 points, grabbed 4 rebounds and dished 3 assists (was perfect 5-for-5 from the free throw line) in 20 minutes. Brose Baskets Bamberg (11-8) is placed seventh in the BBL. It's Obasohan's first season with the team. This year his overall stats are: 6.9ppg, 1.9rpg and 2.7apg in 16 games. Obasohan also holds two passports: Belgian and Nigerian.

   #5. O.D. Anosike (203-F/C-91, college: Siena, currently plays in Mexico) helped Fuerza Regia win their game against the leader Soles (29-7) crushing them 93-71 in the Mexican LNBP (second division) on Saturday night. He scored 14 points and grabbed 5 rebounds (was perfect 6-for-6 from the free throw line) in 20 minutes. It was the game of the round between two top 3 ranked teams in group East. Fuerza Regia Monterrey (24-12) is placed third. It was his team's fifth consecutive victory in a row. It's Anosike's first season with the team. This year Anosike has relatively solid stats: 12.8ppg, 8.1rpg and 1.8apg in 45 games. He holds both American and Nigerian passports.

   #6. Victor Oladipo (193-G-92, college: Indiana, currently plays in NBA) could not help the Indiana Pacers (32-23) in their last game on Friday. Despite Oladipo's very good performance the Indiana Pacers were defeated 115-106 on the road by the Toronto Raptors. He scored 15 points and added 4 assists. This season Oladipo has very high stats. He averages: 11.1ppg, 2.0rpg and 2.9apg. Oladipo holds both American and Nigerian passports.

   #7. Peter Olisemeka (207-C-91, agency: HMS, currently plays in Poland) helped Spojnia Stargard win their game against the 13th-ranked GTK 86-79 in the Polish EBL last Saturday. He had a double-double by scoring 14 points and getting the same number of rebounds. Olisemeka also added and 3 steals in 30 minutes. This year his overall stats are: 5.2ppg and 6.5rpg in 19 games. Olisemeka holds both Nigerian and Italian passports.

   #8. Martins Igbanu (203-F-97, currently plays college basketball in the States), who plays in the NCAA was not able to help the Tulsa (5-1) in their last game on Thursday. Despite Igbanu's very good performance his team was badly defeated 72-56 in Storrs by the University of Connecticut. He recorded 29 points (!!!) and blocked 3 blocks. Igbanu has reliable stats this season: 13.0ppg and 4.9rpg.

   #9. Derek Ogbeide (203-F-97, college: Georgia, currently plays in Cyprus) helped AEK Larnaca win their game against the league leader Keravnos 72-68 in the Cypriot OPAP Basket League in Saturday night's game. Ogbeide recorded a double-double by scoring 13 points and getting 12 rebounds. He also added 2 blocks. Ogbeide's total stats this season are: 7.9ppg and 6.3rpg. He has dual citizenship: Canadian and Nigerian.

   #10. Abdul-Malik Abu (203-F-95, college: NC State, currently plays in Portugal) helped Sporting win their game against the ninth-ranked Lusitania 94-82 in the Portuguese LPB last Saturday. Abu recorded 13 points and grabbed 8 rebounds in 32 minutes. Abu's stats this year are: 14.1ppg, 7.4rpg and 1.1apg in 19 games.