Imo State Commissioner for Sports, Obinna Onyeocha, don praise basketball star Chiney Ogwumike say she attract new Basketball Africa League (BAL) court project come Owerri, as im talk say e go give athletes across the state place to train and compete.
Onyeocha, wey talk during visit to the construction site, say Owerri don qualify through Ogwumike effort and her Queens of the Continent initiative. Im describe the project as one of six inside the wider programme, with the Imo facility represent Nigeria. "I must give kudos to our own ambassador and daughter, Chiney Ogwumike, wey attract this project," im tok. "I wan encourage her and her family to do more."
The commissioner also thank Governor Hope Uzodimma say im back the project, and say work don start sharp sharp once approval enter. Afta talks with the people wey dey handle the build, the target na to commission the site for November. "E go be very massive and wonderful project," Onyeocha tok. "E go be one of the best basketball courts for Nigeria and even Africa."
According to the commissioner, the site go include basketball court, training area, three toilets, two changing rooms, washing area and solar-powered borehole. The finished facility go handover to the Imo Sports Commission, wey go handle maintenance and open am to the public for local and international competitions, including BAL fixtures.
Onyeocha also pay tribute to Chiney older sister, Nneka Ogwumike, wey set to retire from the WNBA at the end of the 2026 season. "I watch Nneka play via the internet, and she be wonderful basketball player," im tok. "I wan thank her for very wonderful way for making Imo State and Nigeria proud."
