Nigerian Olympic superstars Amy Okonkwo and Promise Amukamara partner with La Roche-Posay, part of cosmetics giant L’Oréal, following their historic 2024 Paris Olympics success. The brand, renowned for sensitive skin solutions, is trusted in over 50 countries.
Last Updated on
November 19, 2024
In recent years, the worlds of sports and skincare have converged, with women athletes emerging as the face of many significant beauty campaigns.
This partnership trend speaks to a growing recognition of the unique demands placed on athletes, whose skin endures everything from gruelling training sessions to international travel. Campaigns like Milani Cosmetics' "Face Set. Mind Set" has set the tone, featuring stars like gymnast Jordan Chiles, WNBA star Sabrina Ionescu, and volleyball champion Chiaka Ogbogu, emphasising the importance of both physical performance and self-care.
Building on this momentum, the latest collaboration sees Nigerian Olympic superstars Amy Okonkwo and Promise Amukamara partner with La Roche-Posay, a France-based skincare brand renowned for its dermatologically tested products for sensitive skin. This exciting announcement follows the Nigerian women's team's historic success at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where Okonkwo and Amukamara helped lead their compatriots to the quarterfinals—the first African nation, men's or women's, to reach said stage of an Olympic basketball tournament. This achievement has significantly raised the global profile of Naija hoops and shone a spotlight on some of its brightest stars.
Amy Okonkwo, currently enjoying an excellent start to the 2024–2025 season in France's Ligue Féminine de Basketball (LFB)—one of the top five women's leagues globally—is averaging 11.8 points and 5.3 rebounds while shooting an impressive 40% from three-point range. Her EuroLeague outputs have been equally if not more stellar, with averages of 15.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, and a 41.2% success rate from beyond the arc. Promise Amukamara, fresh off signing a deal with Israeli side Maccabi Rishon LeZion, adds to the duo's star power, making them a natural fit for La Roche-Posay's global appeal.
Crucially, this partnership allows Okonkwo and Amukamara to monetise off their success and image and likeness—a rare privilege for African and Black basketball players in Europe. This collaboration, therefore, carries the potential to be a watershed moment, paving the way for other athletes from Africa to secure lucrative and meaningful brand endorsements that reflect their achievements.
Founded in 1975, La Roche-Posay began with the mission of providing effective skincare solutions for sensitive skin. Now a part of cosmetics giant L'Oréal, the brand is sold in over 50 countries and trusted by millions worldwide. This collaboration highlights the evolution of sports marketing, where athletes like Okonkwo and Amukamara represent strength, resilience, and the importance of self-care—values perfectly aligned with La Roche-Posay's ethos.
Okonkwo and Amukamara embody what it means to be flawless both on and off the court. Their partnership with La Roche-Posay celebrates their success and redefines how African athletes can shape industries far beyond the basketball court.
