Chima Moneke selected the top Nigerian playing abroad in last week's games

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

Chima Moneke

   #1. This week's number one is former international forward Chima Moneke (198-1995, college: UC Davis, currently plays in Basketball Champions League). He was the major contributor in Manresa's victory against the fourth-ranked Treviso (0-4) 103-88 in the Basketball Champions League in Monday night's game. Moneke recorded 20 points and grabbed 5 rebounds in 22 minutes on the court; quite an impressive performance considering it's only his first season in pro basketball. BAXI Manresa (3-1) is placed second in group J. It was his team's third consecutive victory in a row. There are only two games left until the end of the Basketball Champions League Top 16. So now every game will be critical. Moneke has relatively good stats this year: 10.7ppg, 5.0rpg, 1.4apg, 2FGP: 54.9% and FT: 76.9% in nine games he played so far. He played for the Nigerian senior national team year ago.

Suleiman Braimoh

   #2. Second place goes to an experienced former international power forward Suleiman Braimoh (203-1989, college: Rice, currently plays in Israel). He led Hapoel Jerusalem to a victory over the fifth-ranked Hapoel Tel-Aviv (10-8) 94-76 in the Israeli Winner League on Thursday night. Braimoh was MVP of the game. He scored 20 points, grabbed 7 rebounds and dished 4 assists in 26 minutes. Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem (13-5) is placed first in the Winner League. It was his team's fourth consecutive victory in a row. There are only three games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game is very crucial. This year Braimoh has relatively solid stats: 13.9ppg, 6.8rpg, 2.5apg, 2FGP: 64.5%(49-76), 3FGP: 35.7% and FT: 86.2% in 11 games. He played for the Nigerian national team in 20.

John Egbunu

   #3. The Nigerian player who performed third best last week abroad was former international center John Egbunu (211-1994, college: Florida, currently plays in Israel) is a teammate of previously mentioned Suleiman Braimoh and both played together in the last Israeli Winner League game. Egbunu contributed to an easy victory against the fifth-ranked Hapoel Tel-Aviv (10-8) 94-76. He scored 20 points and grabbed 9 rebounds. This season Egbunu averages: 10.0ppg, 5.7rpg, 2FGP: 68.8%(22-32) and FT: 53.3%. He played for the Nigerian national team year ago.

Jahlil Okafor

   #4. Center Jahlil Okafor (211-1995, college: Duke, currently plays in China) was the main contributor in a Guangsha Lions' victory against the closely-ranked Golden Bulls (26-7) 107-95 in a derby game in the Chinese CBA last Tuesday. Okafor was the best player in that game. He had a double-double by scoring 25 points and getting 12 rebounds in 32 minutes. It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. Zhejiang Guangsha Lions (26-7) are placed third in the CBA. It was his team's sixth consecutive victory in a row. Okafor has individually a very good year with high stats. He averages: 15.2ppg, 9.4rpg and 1.6apg in five games. Okafor used to play for the Nigerian national team back in 21.

Alade Aminu

   #5. Former international power forward Alade Aminu (207-1987, college: Georgia Tech, currently plays in Iran) contributed to a 2-point Chemidor's victory against the second-ranked Sirjan (13-7) 70-68 in the Iranian Superleague on Sunday night. He recorded a double-double by scoring 20 points and getting 11 rebounds. Aminu also added and 3 steals. It was the game of the round between two top 3 ranked teams. Chemidor Tehran (18-2) is placed first in Group E. It was his team's sixth consecutive victory in a row. The Second Stage already ended. This season Aminu has very high stats. He averages: 18.0ppg, 11.0rpg and 1.6spg. Aminu used to play for the Nigerian national team years ago.

Ike Iroegbu

   #6. Point guard Ike Iroegbu (188-1995, college: WSU, currently plays in Israel) contributed to a 2-point Galil Elion's victory against the closely-ranked Hapoel Eilat (7-11) 74-72 in the Israeli Winner League last Sunday. Iroegbu recorded 16 points and grabbed 7 rebounds (made all of his seven free throws). Hapoel Nofar Energy Galil Elion (9-9) is placed eighth in the Winner League. There are only two games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game will be important. This season Iroegbu has very high stats. He averages: 15.1ppg, 4.1rpg and 3.4apg. Iroegbu is a former international player as he played for the Nigerian senior team year ago.

Precious Achiuwa

   #7. Former international small forward Precious Achiuwa (206-1999, college: Memphis, currently plays in NBA) could not help the Toronto Raptors (34-30) in their last game. Despite his very good performance the Toronto Raptors (34-30) were edged 108-106 on the road by the Detroit Pistons. Achiuwa scored 18 points and grabbed 7 rebounds in 28 minutes. It was Raptors' third consecutive loss in a row. Achiuwa has reliable stats this year: 8.3ppg, 6.8rpg and 1.1apg in 55 games. He used to play for the Nigerian national team years ago.

Andy Ogide

   #8. Center Andy Ogide (206-1987, college: Colorado St., currently plays in Turkey) contributed to an easy victory against the 11th-ranked Gemlik (10-12) 72-56 in the Turkish TBL (second division) last Wednesday. Ogide was the top player that evening. He had a double-double by scoring 19 points and getting 13 rebounds in 31 minutes. OGM Ormanspor Genclik Ankara (14-8) is placed fifth in the TBL. There are only three games left until the end of the Regular Season. Ogide's stats this year are: 14.5ppg and 7.7rpg in 22 games. He has a dual citizenship: Nigerian and American. Ogide used to play for the Nigerian national team back in 16.

Rasheed Sulaimon

   #9. Former international guard Rasheed Sulaimon (193-1994, college: Maryland, currently plays in EuroCup) was not able to help JL Bourg (5-9) in their last game. Despite his very good performance JL Bourg lost 77-88 on the opponent's court to the second-ranked Valencia. Sulaimon was the top scorer with 17 points. He also added 4 rebounds and dished 6 assists in 31 minutes. There are only four games left until the end of the Eurocup Regular Season. Sulaimon averaged so far 13.5ppg, 3.4rpg, 3.1apg and 1.1spg in 14 games. He is another player who holds two passports: Nigerian and American. Despite Sulaimon played previously for the USA U19 national team, he is currently in the Nigerian national team roster.

Tonye Jekiri

   #10. Center Tonye Jekiri (212-1994, agency: Network Sports International, college: Miami, FL, currently plays in VTB United League) contributed to an easy victory against the 11th-ranked Tsmoki-Minsk (2-10) crushing them 98-56 in the VTB United League last Sunday. Jekiri scored 11 points, grabbed 6 rebounds and dished 4 assists. Unics Kazan (14-2) is placed first in group A. It was his team's sixth consecutive victory in a row. Jekiri's overall stats this season are: 5.7ppg, 5.7rpg and 1.2apg. He is a former international player as years ago he still played for the Nigerian senior national team.

   #11. Former international guard Gabe Vincent (190-1996, college: UCSB, currently plays in NBA) contributed to an easy victory against the Philadelphia 76ers 99-82 in the NBA in Saturday night's game. Vincent recorded 16 points. Vincent averaged so far 9.5ppg, 2.0rpg and 3.3apg. He used to play for the Nigerian national team years ago.

   #12. Former international guard Zaid Hearst (194-1992, college: Quinnipiac, currently plays in Spain) contributed to Alicante's victory against one of league's weakest teams Palma 97-89 in the Spanish LEB Gold (second division) last Sunday. Hearst was the top player that evening. He recorded 37 points (!!!) and added 4 passes in 35 minutes. It was his first game for Alicante this season. Hearst has both American and Nigerian nationalities. He used to play for the Nigerian national team back in 20.

   #13. Former international forward Jordan Nwora (203-1998, college: Louisville, currently plays in NBA) contributed to an easy victory against the Oklahoma City Thunder crushing them 142-115 in the NBA in Tuesday night's game. Nwora recorded 11 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists in 38 minutes. Nwora averaged so far 7.9ppg and 3.6rpg in 53 games. He also holds two passports: Nigerian and American. Nwora used to play for the Nigerian national team years ago.

   #14. Former international guard Daniel Utomi (198-1997, agency: Slash Sports, college: USC, currently plays in Italy) contributed to a 3-point Pistoia's victory against the 11th-ranked Cd'Orlando 80-77 in the Italian Serie A2 (second division) on Sunday night. He scored 16 points in 37 minutes. Utomi averaged so far 14.5ppg, 4.3rpg and 1.1apg in 21 games. He holds both American and Nigerian passports. Utomi used to play for the Nigerian national team back in 21.

   #15. Former international power forward Chimezie Metu (211-1997, college: USC, currently plays in NBA) was not able to secure a victory for the Sacramento Kings in their game against the Denver Nuggets in the NBA. He scored 9 points and grabbed 8 rebounds. His team were defeated 106-100 in the NBA. Metu averaged so far 8.5ppg and 5.7rpg. He holds both American and Nigerian passports. Metu used to play for the Nigerian national team 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-1993, college: Alabama, currently plays in Israel) was the major contributor in a 1-point Hapoel Jerusalem's victory against the closely-ranked Bnei Hasharon (10-7) 89-88 in the Israeli Winner League last Monday. Obasohan recorded 24 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists; not bad, considering it's only his first season in pro basketball. It was the game of the round between two top 4 ranked teams. Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem (13-5) is placed first in the Winner League. It was his team's fourth consecutive victory in a row. There are only three games left until the end of the Regular Season. So now every game will be critical. Obasohan has individually a very good season with high stats. He averages: 18.1ppg, 4.3rpg, 4.9apg and 1.2spg. Obasohan has a dual citizenship: Belgian and Nigerian.

   #2. Experienced Olu Ashaolu (200-PF-1988, college: Oregon, currently plays in Philippines) could not help Alaska Aces (6-5) in their last game. Despite his very good performance Alaska Aces lost 99-104 at home to the lower-ranked (#8) Phoenix. Ashaolu had a double-double by scoring 24 points and getting 10 rebounds. He also added 6 assists in 40 minutes. The Regular Season already ended. Ashaolu has very impressive stats this year: 18.7ppg, 12.7rpg and 3.1apg in 11 games he played so far. He is another player who holds two passports: Nigerian and Canadian. Despite Ashaolu's Nigerian nationality, he previously played for the Canadian U18 national team and is probably not eligible to play for the Nigerian team.

   #3. Ike Joseph Udanoh (202-PF-1989, college: WSU, currently plays in Basketball Champions League) was not able to help SIG Strasbourg (2-2) in their last game on Tuesday. Despite Udanoh's good performance the second-placed SIG Strasbourg (2-2) was edged 73-71 on the road by the lower-ranked Rytas (#3) in the group L of Basketball Champions League. He was the second best scorer with 10 points. Udanoh also added 8 rebounds. There are only two games left until the end of the Basketball Champions League Top 16. Udanoh's overall stats this season are: 8.3ppg, 5.8rpg and 2.1apg. He has both American and Nigerian nationalities.

   #4. Christian Mekowulu (205-F-1995, college: Texas A&M, currently plays in Italy) led Sassari to a victory over the closely-ranked Trento (0-4) 74-66 in the Italian Serie A on Sunday night. Mekowulu was the top player that evening. He scored 14 points, had 6 rebounds and made 2 blocks. 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: 9.6ppg, 6.3rpg and 1.1bpg. Worth to mention he played also at Eurobasket Summer League, which helped him get the job in pro basketball.

   #5. Obinna Oleka (203-PF-1993, agency: Slash Sports, college: Arizona St., currently plays in Bulgaria) was the main contributor in Beroe's victory against the eighth-ranked Yambol (6-13) 91-76 in the Bulgarian NBL on Sunday night. Oleka was the top player that evening. He scored 20 points and grabbed 5 rebounds in 27 minutes. BC Beroe Stara Zagora (6-0) is placed first in the NBL. So far his team won all six games in the Regular Season. They will play only one more game in the Regular Season. Oleka has very impressive stats this year: 17.6ppg, 10.5rpg, 1.7apg and 1.4spg in 17 games. He also holds two passports: Nigerian and American.

   #6. Onyeka Okongwu (206-PF-2000, college: USC, currently plays in NBA) was not able to secure a victory for the Atlanta Hawks (30-34) in their last game on Wednesday. Despite Okongwu's good performance the Atlanta Hawks were defeated 124-115 in Milwaukee by the Bucks. He scored 13 points and grabbed 5 rebounds. Okongwu averaged so far 8.7ppg, 5.3rpg, 1.1apg and 1.4bpg. He holds both American and Nigerian passports.

   #7. Richmond Aririguzoh (206-C-1998, college: Princeton, currently plays in Germany) couldn't help Hakro Merlins in their game against Telekom Baskets in the German BBL. He scored 9 points and grabbed 4 rebounds. His team was defeated 101-96. Aririguzoh's overall stats this season are: 3.3ppg and 2.0rpg.

   #8. Victor Oladipo (193-G-1992, college: Indiana, currently plays in NBA) contributed to an easy victory against the Houston Rockets 123-106 in the NBA last Monday. He scored 11 points and added 4 passes in a mere 15 minutes. Oladipo averaged so far 7.5ppg, 1.5rpg and 3.5apg in two games. He holds both American and Nigerian passports.

   #9. Chuba Ohams (206-F-1997, currently plays college basketball in the States) contributed to Fordham's victory against the The George Washington University 70-66 in the NCAA in Saturday night's game. Ohams had a double-double by scoring 23 points and getting 16 rebounds. He also added 5 assists and 3 blocks in 33 minutes. Ohams averaged so far 14.8ppg, 11.7rpg, 1.9apg and 1.7bpg in 29 games. He holds both American and Nigerian passports.

   #10. James Nnaji (209-C-2004, currently plays in Spain) managed to help FC Barcelona Lassa in a victory against the 16th-ranked Fuenlabrada 86-69 in the Spanish Liga Endesa on Tuesday night. Nnaji scored only 2 points in 7 minutes on the court. This year Nnaji's overall stats are: 2.8ppg and 2.0rpg in five games.