Nigeria, Africa power up NBA as record 60+ players with African roots open 2026-27 season

Africa’s footprint in the NBA has hit an all-time high. The league announced on Tuesday that more than 60 players born in Africa, or with at least one African-born parent, are on opening-night rosters for the 2026-27 season, a new record.

Nigeria leads the charge. More than 25 of those players are from Nigeria or have a Nigerian parent, and a record six players represent the country directly, putting Nigeria level with Serbia and just behind Germany’s seven.

They are Ugo Onyenso of the Detroit Pistons, Charles Bassey of the Golden State Warriors, Adem Bona of the Philadelphia 76ers, Precious Achiuwa of the Sacramento Kings, Josh Okogie of the Utah Jazz and Felix Okpara of the Washington Wizards.

Beyond them, the African-linked star power is considerable. Three-time All-Star Bam Adebayo of the Miami Heat and two-time NBA champion OG Anunoby of the New York Knicks both have Nigerian ties. Heat teammate Giannis Antetokounmpo, a two-time MVP and 2021 champion, also has Nigerian roots. Cameroon is represented by 2022-23 MVP Joel Embiid of the 76ers and 2019 champion Pascal Siakam of the Indiana Pacers. Wizards’ AJ Dybantsa, the 2026 number one overall pick, has ties to the Republic of the Congo.

The African surge comes as the NBA’s global reach also grows. Rosters feature 125 international players from 43 countries, tying the record for countries represented, including 70 Europeans. France leads with 17 players, headlined by Defensive Player of the Year Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs, followed by Canada with 16.

More than 45 players came through Basketball Without Borders, the NBA and FIBA’s development programme.

The 81st season tips off today with a tripleheader: the Celtics visit the Pistons, the defending champion Knicks host the 76ers, and the Spurs face the Thunder. Games will reach fans in 214 countries and territories, including across Africa on SuperSport.