Six NBA Draft 2026 Picks Share Nigerian Heritage

By Enitan Abdultawab

Six athletes of Nigerian ancestry were chosen in the 2026 NBA Draft, underscoring Nigeria’s expanding impact on the sport’s premier platform.

The athletes—Ebuka Okorie, Zuby Ejiofor, Felix Okpara, Otega Oweh, Tobi Lawal, and Ugonna Onyenso—were selected by various NBA teams during the two‑day draft that took place at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.

Stanford University guard Ebuka Okorie was the top pick among players of Nigerian background, chosen 17th overall by the Oklahoma City Thunder. He is slated to move to the Detroit Pistons under a forthcoming trade deal.

St. John’s University standout Zuby Ejiofor was taken 23rd overall by the Atlanta Hawks following a strong collegiate season.

Felix Okpara was chosen 46th overall by the Orlando Magic, and Virginia Tech forward Tobi Lawal was taken 48th overall by the Dallas Mavericks.

Ugonna Onyenso was selected 53rd overall by the Houston Rockets. The center, born in Imo State, has a distinctive path: he first played football in Nigeria, then switched to basketball after moving to the United States in 2018. He subsequently trained at the NBA Academy Africa in Senegal, adding to the academy’s growing roster of NBA draft prospects.

At only 17, Onyenso became the youngest athlete to appear for Nigeria’s senior men’s