Two Countries Will Represent African Basketball at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Not One!

Two Countries Will Represent African Basketball at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Not One!

At the 2024 Paris Olympics, African basketball will shine with the men's South Sudan and women's Nigerian teams. While South Sudan's rapid rise is getting well-deserved praise, the Nigerian women's team, the 2023 FIBA Women's AfroBasket champions, should also be in the spotlight.

Even with the growing popularity of the WNBA, international women's basketball, especially in Africa, still needs to get the recognition it deserves. The success of the Nigerian women's team is a testament to their skill and determination, and their achievements should be celebrated just like those of the men's teams.

On July 18, 2024, during the USA vs. South Sudan post-game conference, South Sudan head coach Royal Ivey and former Fenerbahçe wing Marial Shayok faced a packed room of over fifty international journalists. They were bombarded with questions about their game against Team USA's NBA stars, the rise of South Sudan basketball, and the unity of displaced South Sudanese players representing their homeland.

However, there was a disappointing oversight among several journalists who mistakenly believed South Sudan was the "only African basketball team at the Olympics," completely overlooking the Nigerian women's team.

Feeling frustrated by the oversight, I, the AfricaBasket Senior Editor-In-Chief, took a stand to set the record straight. I stressed the significance of acknowledging the participation of both the South Sudan and Nigerian women's basketball teams at the Summer Games.

"It's crucial to recognise that both the South Sudan and Nigerian women's basketball teams will be competing at the Summer Games. What lessons can these two African nations learn from each other as they navigate the tournament? This question underscores the importance of equal recognition and support for both teams."

The persistent lack of recognition for the Nigerian women's basketball team, despite winning the FIBA Women's AfroBasket championship four times in a row (2017, 2019, 2021, and 2023), is deeply disheartening, especially considering the adversities they have faced.

After their historic victories in 2017 and 2019, the team was not invited to meet with Nigeria's President, and their bonuses were allegedly withheld by the basketball federation.

In 2021, the team faced further challenges when WNBA star Liz Cambage was accused of using racial slurs against Nigerian players during a pre-Olympic game against Australia. These incidents highlight the broader issues of racism and discrimination that African athletes often endure.

The struggles didn't end there. In 2022, the Nigerian government imposed a two-year ban on international competitions, only to reverse the decision six weeks later. This reversal came too late for the women's national team, who lost their place at the FIBA Women's World Cup to Mali.

The lack of recognition and support for the Nigerian women's team reflects broader issues with how women's sports are viewed and treated globally. A stark example of this can be seen in the recent budget cuts to the London Lions women's basketball team, despite their 2023-24 FIBA Women's EuroCup victory. When financial difficulties arose, the women's team's budget was the first to be slashed, leaving them unable to compete in the Women's Euroleague or defend their EuroCup title.

These examples show the dual challenges African athletes and women face in sports. Both groups often have to overcome systemic biases and historical mistreatment to achieve recognition and success.

Additionally, after South Sudan's pre-Olympic game against the USA at London's O2 Arena, former NBA player Gilbert Arenas made several racist and xenophobic comments about Africans and African basketball.

The South Sudan national team has also faced significant adversity but has seen a rapid and respected rise in international basketball.

Sudan gained independence in 1956, but civil war erupted in the country due to the different demographics: the north of the country being dominated by Arabs and the South by indigenous communities. These tensions led to two wars, the first from 1955 to 1972 and the second from 1983 to 2005. After a 2011 referendum in which most of the country's voters chose separation, South Sudan became an independent state. However, independence didn't end the violence, making South Sudan one of the poorest countries globally and causing the largest refugee crisis in Africa, with millions affected and displaced.

Despite these challenges, South Sudan's Bright Stars has rapidly risen in international basketball. In recent competitions, South Sudan emerged victorious with three wins out of five games, securing automatic qualification to the 2024 Olympics as the highest-placed African team, surpassing Egypt. The Bright Stars' success can be attributed to former NBA player Luol Deng. Born in South Sudan, Deng's family fled, seeking asylum in Egypt and later in London, England.

Supporting both African basketball teams during the Olympics shouldn't be just because they've faced their share of struggles but because they've earned the right to compete at the highest level. These teams have shown incredible growth on the court and have become symbols of hope and inspiration for countless people across Africa and the world.

The Nigerian women's basketball team has shown remarkable tenacity and dedication. Despite facing systemic biases and historical mistreatment, they have emerged as champions, winning the FIBA Women's AfroBasket championship four consecutive times. Their achievements highlight the need for greater visibility and respect for women's basketball, especially in regions where the sport often struggles to gain recognition. The Nigerian women's team exemplifies the potential and excellence that women's sports can achieve when given the support and acknowledgement they deserve.

Supporting women's basketball is crucial in the fight against historically racist and xenophobic ideologies. By elevating and celebrating the achievements of African women's teams, we challenge and dismantle the stereotypes and prejudices that have long plagued the sports world. The Nigerian women's team's success is a powerful statement against the discrimination and marginalisation that African athletes often face. It underscores the importance of providing equal opportunities and resources to female athletes, allowing them to thrive and excel.

Moreover, the South Sudan men's basketball team has demonstrated an extraordinary rise in the international arena. Their journey from a nation marred by conflict and poverty to becoming a competitive force on the global stage is nothing short of remarkable. Their story is a testament to the power of sports in uniting and uplifting communities, providing a sense of pride and identity.

The 2024 Paris Olympics should be a historic moment for African basketball and Africans both on the continent and across the diaspora. It represents an opportunity to showcase African basketball's global talent and diversity. The Nigerian women's and South Sudan men's teams deserve the unwavering support of Africans, African basketball fans, and millions worldwide who love this sport. Their participation in the Olympics is not just about competing; it is about breaking barriers, challenging prejudices, and redefining the narrative of African athletes in the sports world.

Win or lose, these teams have already made history. Their presence at the Olympics is a victory in itself, a celebration of their journey and the obstacles they have overcome. It is a call to action for everyone to rally behind them, to support and uplift them, and to continue fighting for equality and recognition in sports. The 2024 Paris Olympics is more than just a sporting event; it is a platform for African basketball to shine and for the world to witness these remarkable teams' incredible potential and achievements.

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[Photography Courtesy of FIBA & The 2024 Paris Olympics]