August 31 2021
Ogwumike: I still who I am after Olympics snub by FIBA .
By Akin Bolarinwa
Nneka Ogwumike say she has turned Olympics snub into opportunity to celebrate complexity.
Nneka Ogwumike gained fresh perspective about multiculturalism after her Team USA Olympic snub and attempting to compete for Nigeria.
"I am who I am because of what I've done for the game'
The Los Angeles Sparks star said it's alright to celebrate complexity.
"There was a lot of fighting the feeling of invaluableness, and then also not falling into the dichotomy of them vs. me," she said. "At the end of the day, I am who I am because of what I've done."
www.ckdmedia.ng gathered that the forward's shocking omission from the team did not go unnoticed, with younger sister and Sparks teammate Chiney Ogwumike.
She, along with Chiney and younger sister Erica set their sights on suiting up for Nigeria.
Only Erica was ruled eligible to play for the country their parents immigrated to the United States from, with FIBA determining Nneka and Chiney had recorded too much time for the U.S. before applying to switch.
Ogwumike also addressed the pressure she faced for suddenly turning her attention to the West African squad.
"The pressure to assimilate is there, it's very prevalent. I experienced a lot of conflict and perspective this summer in my Olympic journey.
"The whole point is to grow the sport, and for the sport to need development. It's never been a question of my upbringing. I don't ever deny my culture, both in terms of my western influences and of course my Nigerian heritage".
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