Chima Moneke'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.

Chima Moneke

   #1. This week's number one is an international forward Chima Moneke (198-95, college: UC Davis, currently plays in Spain). He was the major contributor in Manresa's victory against the closely-ranked Barca (11-3) 96-95 in the Spanish Liga Endesa in Sunday night's game. Moneke had a double-double by scoring 18 points and getting 13 rebounds. He also added and 6 steals in 30 minutes on the court. It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. BAXI Manresa (2-1) is placed second in the Liga Endesa. Moneke has relatively good stats this year: 13.7ppg, 8.1rpg, 1.2apg, 1.8spg, 2FGP: 61.9%(60-97), 3FGP: 30.8% and FT: 69.6% in 14 games he played so far. He is currently a member of the Nigerian senior national team.

Suleiman Braimoh

   #2. Second place goes to an experienced former international power forward Suleiman Braimoh (203-89, college: Rice, currently plays in Basketball Champions League). Braimoh led his Israeli team Hapoel Jerusalem to a victory over the league leader Manresa (5-1) 90-85 in the Basketball Champions League in Thursday night's game. He was MVP of the game. Braimoh scored 23 points and grabbed 6 rebounds. It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem (3-3) is placed second in the Basketball Champions League. It was Hapoel's third consecutive victory in a row. His team will play only one more game in the Basketball Champions League Regular Season. And that game will be critical. It's Braimoh's first season with the team. This year Braimoh has relatively solid stats: 12.3ppg, 4.3rpg, 1.7apg, 2FGP: 83.3%(15-18). He played for the Nigerian national team in 2020.

Alade Aminu

   #3. The Nigerian player who performed third best last week abroad was former international power forward Alade Aminu (207-87, college: Georgia Tech, currently plays in Iran). Aminu contributed to an easy victory against the fourth-ranked Niroo Zamini (0-15) crushing them 83-63 in a derby game in the Iranian Superleague last Thursday. He recorded 21 points and grabbed 8 rebounds in 23 minutes. Chemidor Tehran (13-2) is placed first in Group E. Aminu has individually a very good year with high stats. He averages: 16.0ppg, 12.0rpg, 2FGP: 62.5%(15-24) and FT: 66.7% in two games. Aminu played for the Nigerian national team two years ago.

Lotanna Nwogbo

   #4. Power forward Lotanna Nwogbo (203-93, college: Longwood, currently plays in BNXT-League) was the main contributor in Groningen's victory against the 11th-ranked Hague (1-15) crushing them 85-58 in the BNXT League in Sunday night's game. He was the best player in that game. Nwogbo scored 20 points and grabbed 6 rebounds in a mere 16 minutes. Donar Groningen (8-5) is placed fourth in the BNXT League. There are only two games left until the end of the BNXT League Regular Season. So now every game is very crucial. Nwogbo has reliable stats this year: 13.3ppg, 5.9rpg and 1.5apg in 10 games. He has a dual citizenship: Nigerian and American. Nwogbo used to play for the Nigerian national team back in 2018.

Chimezie Metu

   #5. International power forward Chimezie Metu (211-97, college: USC, currently plays in NBA) contributed to a Sacramento Kings' victory against the Los Angeles Lakers (21-21) 125-116 in the NBA on Wednesday night. He scored 14 points, had 7 boards, handed out 4 passes and blocked 2 shots in 22 minutes. The Sacramento Kings have 17-27 record this season. They ended the series of five consecutive loses. Metu's stats this year are: 9.2ppg, 6.3rpg and 1.1apg in 28 games. He is another player who holds two passports: Nigerian and American. Metu plays currently for the Nigerian national team.

Jordan Nwora

   #6. Forward Jordan Nwora (203-98, college: Louisville, currently plays in NBA) could not help the Milwaukee Bucks (27-17) in their last game on Monday. Despite his very good performance the Milwaukee Bucks (27-17) were defeated 103-99 on the road by the Charlotte Hornets. Nwora recorded 18 points. Nwora's stats this season are: 9.0ppg, 4.2rpg and 1.1apg. He has both American and Nigerian nationalities. Nwora is an international player who is currently on the senior Nigerian National Team roster.

Zaid Hearst

   #7. Former international guard Zaid Hearst (194-92, college: Quinnipiac, currently plays in Ukraine) was not able to help Mykolaiv (4-7) in their last game. Despite his very good performance Mykolaiv was badly defeated 103-84 in Kamianske by the leading Prometey. Hearst was the top scorer with 37 points. He also added 4 rebounds in 35 minutes. There are only three games left until the end of the Regular Season. Hearst has very impressive stats this year: 19.7ppg, 5.2rpg and 2.8apg in six games. He also holds two passports: Nigerian and American. Hearst used to play for the Nigerian national team two years ago.

Gani Lawal

   #8. Power forward Gani Lawal (206-88, college: Georgia Tech, currently plays in France) helped Chalons-Reims win their game against the sixth-ranked SIG Strasbourg (8-5) 106-98 in the French Betclic ELITE ProA on Saturday night. He recorded a double-double by scoring 21 points and getting 11 rebounds. Champagne Chalons-Reims Basketis placed second in the Betclic ELITE ProA. Lawal averaged so far 13.5ppg and 6.7rpg. He holds both American and Nigerian passports. Lawal used to play for the Nigerian national team back in 2013.

Gabe Vincent

   #9. International guard Gabe Vincent (190-96, college: UCSB, currently plays in NBA) helped Miami Heat win their game against the Atlanta Hawks (17-23) crushing them 115-91 in the NBA last Wednesday. Vincent scored 14 points. The Miami Heat has a solid 26-15 record this season. It was his team's third consecutive victory in a row. Vincent averaged so far 8.8ppg, 2.1rpg and 2.9apg. He is also in the roster of the Nigerian national team.

John Egbunu

   #10. Center John Egbunu (211-94, college: Florida, currently plays in Israel) is a teammate of previously mentioned Suleiman Braimoh. But that was another game of his team in Israeli Winner League which we would like to mention. Egbunu was not able to secure a victory for Hapoel Jerusalem (9-4) in their game against Galil Gilboa (5-8). He scored 7 points and grabbed 8 rebounds in only 13 minutes. It was his first game for Hapoel Jerusalem this season. The league leader Hapoel Jerusalem lost 72-78 in Rosh Pina to the much lower-ranked (#9) Galil Gilboa. Egbunu is a former international player as two years ago he still played for the Nigerian senior national team.

   #11. Former international guard Rasheed Sulaimon (193-94, college: Maryland, currently plays in France) helped JL Bourg win their game against the 16th-ranked Provence Basket 63-56 in the French Betclic ELITE ProA last Saturday. Sulaimon was the top player that evening. He scored 15 points and added 4 assists in 34 minutes. Sulaimon averaged so far 13.9ppg, 3.5rpg and 2.9apg in 15 games. He holds both American and Nigerian passports. Despite Sulaimon played previously for the USA U19 national team, he is currently in the Nigerian national team roster.

   #12. Former international center Micheal Eric (211-88, college: Temple, currently plays in Spain) couldn't help Unicaja in their game against Valencia in the Spanish Liga Endesa. Eric scored only 4 points and grabbed 8 rebounds. His team was defeated 87-82. Eric's overall stats this season are: 7.9ppg and 5.6rpg. He used to play for the Nigerian national team back in 2020.

   #13. International small forward Precious Achiuwa (206-99, college: Memphis, currently plays in NBA) helped Toronto Raptors win their game against the Utah Jazz 122-108 in the NBA in Friday night's game. Achiuwa recorded 9 points and grabbed 5 rebounds in 18 minutes. Achiuwa averaged so far 7.9ppg, 7.5rpg and 1.4apg in 29 games. He is also Nigerian national team player.

   #14. International forward Amaze Egekeze (203-95, college: Belmont, currently plays in BNXT-League) is a teammate of previously mentioned Lotanna Nwogbo and both played together in the last BNXT League game. Egekeze helped his Dutch team Groningen win their game against the 11th-ranked Hague crushing them 85-58. He scored 7 points and grabbed 5 rebounds in 21 minutes. Egekeze averaged so far 11.0ppg and 3.4rpg in 13 games. He holds both American and Nigerian passports. Egekeze plays currently for the Nigerian national team.

   #15. Former international forward Daniel Ochefu (211-93, college: Villanova, currently plays in South Korea) helped Seoul Samsung Thunders win their game against the closely-ranked KoGas 85-73 in the South Korean KBL last Friday. Ochefu had a double-double by scoring 15 points and getting 11 rebounds. He also added 3 assists in 22 minutes. Ochefu averaged so far 10.3ppg, 7.6rpg and 1.7apg in 29 games. He used to play for the Nigerian national team five years ago.


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

   #1. Retin Obasohan (189-G-93, college: Alabama, currently plays in Basketball Champions League) was the major contributor in a Hapoel Jerusalem's victory against the league leader Manresa (5-1) 90-85 in the Basketball Champions League last Thursday. Obasohan recorded a double-double by scoring 19 points and making 12 passes. He also added and 5 steals. It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem (3-3) is placed second in the Basketball Champions League. It was Hapoel's third consecutive victory in a row. Obasohan's team will play only one more game in the Basketball Champions League Regular Season. And that game will be critical. It's Obasohan's first season with the team. This year he has relatively solid stats: 14.4ppg, 3.0rpg, 4.9apg and 1.9spg. Obasohan has a dual citizenship: Belgian and Nigerian.

   #2. Experienced James Nnaji (209-C-4, currently plays in Spain) could not help Barca (11-3) in their last game. Despite his good performance Barca was edged 96-95 at home by the lower-ranked (#4) Manresa. Nnaji scored 10 points, grabbed 5 rebounds and made 5 blocks in 20 minutes. It was his first game for Barca this season.

   #3. Obinna Oleka (203-PF-93, agency: Slash Sports, college: Arizona St., currently plays in Balkan League) led his Bulgarian team Beroe to a victory over the closely-ranked Akademik Plovdiv (5-5) 98-91 in the Balkan League on Friday night. He was the best player in that game. Oleka recorded a double-double by scoring 30 points and getting 10 rebounds. He also added 4 assists and 4 steals. BC Beroe Stara Zagora (3-6) is placed fifth in the Balkan League. Oleka's team will play only one more game in the Balkan League Regular Season. And now that game is very crucial. Oleka has individually a very good season with high stats. He averages: 18.0ppg, 9.7rpg, 1.6apg and 1.7spg. Oleka is another player who holds two passports: Nigerian and American.

   #4. Christian Mekowulu (205-F-95, college: Texas A&M, currently plays in Italy) contributed to an easy victory against the closely-ranked Fortitudo BO (0-4) 103-84 in the Italian Serie A last Wednesday. Mekowulu recorded 20 points and grabbed 8 rebounds; quite an impressive performance considering it's only his third season in pro basketball. It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. Banco di Sardegna Sassari (4-0) is placed first in the Serie A. So far his team won all four games in the Regular Season. Mekowulu's overall stats this season are: 9.9ppg and 6.4rpg. Worth to mention he played also at Eurobasket Summer League, which helped him get the job in pro basketball.

   #5. Tanksley Efianayi (198-G/F-94, college: UCF, currently plays in Uruguay) was not able to help Urunday in their game against Capitol (2-11) in the Uruguayan LUB, despite his very good performance in Friday night's game. He was the second best scorer with 13 points. Efianayi also added 7 rebounds and 2 blocks in 39 minutes. But Urunday was badly defeated 77-61 in a derby game by the league outsider (#14) Capitol. His team will play only one more game in the Regular Season. Efianayi has very impressive stats this year: 16.8ppg, 5.0rpg, 2.5apg and 1.2spg in six games he played so far. He has both American and Nigerian nationalities.

   #6. Onyeka Okongwu (206-PF-0, college: USC, currently plays in NBA) was not able to secure a victory for the Atlanta Hawks in their game against the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA. Despite his good performance in Friday night's game He recorded 12 points and grabbed 7 rebounds. Okongwu averaged so far 9.0ppg, 6.3rpg, 1.1apg and 1.3bpg. He also holds two passports: Nigerian and American.

   #7. Ike Joseph Udanoh (202-PF-89, college: WSU, currently plays in France) couldn't help SIG Strasbourg in their game against Chalons-Reims in the French Betclic ELITE ProA. Udanoh scored only 4 points and grabbed 5 rebounds. His team was defeated 106-98. Udanoh's overall stats this season are: 5.7ppg, 5.9rpg and 1.7apg. He holds both American and Nigerian passports.

   #8. Chuba Ohams (206-F-97, currently plays college basketball in the States) contributed to a 1-point Fordham's victory against the University of Duquesne 72-71 in the NCAA in Wednesday night's game. He recorded a double-double by scoring 14 points and getting 16 rebounds. Ohams also added 3 assists, 8 blocks and 3 steals. Ohams averaged so far 14.5ppg, 11.6rpg, 1.9apg and 2.3bpg. He holds both American and Nigerian passports.

   #9. Efemina Abogidi (208-C-1, currently studies in the States) couldn't help the WSU in their game against the University of Colorado in the NCAA. Despite his very good performance on Thursday night Abogidi recorded a double-double by scoring 16 points and getting 10 rebounds. Abogidi's overall stats this season are: 7.3ppg, 5.1rpg and 1.4bpg.

   #10. Maxie Esho (206-F/C-91, college: UMass, currently plays in Saudi Arabia) contributed to an Al Ittihad's victory against one of league's weakest teams Duba Club 75-65 in the Saudi Arabian SBL in Monday night's game. He had a double-double by scoring 19 points and getting 15 rebounds. Esho also added 4 assists in 37 minutes. Esho has very impressive stats this year: 20.8ppg, 12.7rpg, 2.8apg and 1.2bpg in six games. He holds both American and Nigerian passports.