Washington Mystics forward Kiki Iriafen say her Nigerian heritage don dey central to her rise as one of WNBA rising stars. For one social media video, di 23-year-old tok about di mindset wey her parents, Harrison and Yemi, pass give her.
"I think e don definitely make me who I be, especially dis idea say anytin wey you set your mind to, you fit do am," Iriafen talk. "I never hear any Nigerian wey dey cry say woe be me or oh, I no fit do am."
Washington pick Iriafen with di fourth overall pick for 2025 WNBA draft afta she divide her college career between Stanford and USC. She average 13.3 points and 8.5 rebounds for 48.8 percent shooting for her rookie year. She record 16 double-doubles, earn All-Star selection and dem name her for WNBA All-Rookie Team together with oda first-round pick Sonia Citron.
Iriafen add another All-Star nod dis season and recently represent di United States for di 2026 FIBA Women's World Cup qualifying tournament for Puerto Rico, she play all five games as di Americans go unbeaten to qualify for di World Cup for Berlin. She make her Nigerian heritage di main thing for her 2025 draft appearance, as she wear custom gold outfit wey Nigerian designer Nneka Alexander make.
