The NBA named a record 25 Nigerian-born players on its 2026-27 opening-night rosters, released on Tuesday. The list also features more than 60 players who were born in Africa or have at least one African parent.
Overall, the rosters contain 125 international players from a record-tying 43 countries across six continents. All 30 teams have at least one international player, while the Dallas Mavericks, Miami Heat and Washington Wizards lead the league with seven each.
Players who currently represent Nigeria or are eligible to play for the D’Tigers include Ugonna 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.
The African contingent also includes Bam Adebayo of Miami, OG Anunoby of the New York Knicks, AJ Dybantsa of the Washington Wizards, Joel Embiid of Philadelphia and Pascal Siakam of the Indiana Pacers.
The 81st NBA regular season began on Tuesday, with the Boston Celtics visiting the Detroit Pistons, the defending champion Knicks hosting the 76ers and the Spurs meeting the Thunder in San Antonio.
