U.S. NBA Star Dinwiddie Acquires Passport to Play for Nigerian National Team

Snubbed by Team USA, NBA star Spencer Dinwiddie is reportedly acquiring a Nigerian passport to play for the national team, D’Tigers.

Dinwiddie plays for Brooklyn Nets as guard.

News about Dinwiddie’s switch to Nigeria was reported by Shams Charania, an NBA insider and analyst for The Athletic and Stadium.

He broke the news in a tweet that has gone viral.

Sources: Nets‘ Spencer Dinwiddie is acquiring a Nigerian passport to play for the Nigeria national team. Dinwiddie didn’t receive Team USA Olympic invite; now joins Nigeria roster under Mike Bown that includes Al-Farouq Aminu, Josh Okogie, Chimezie Metu, Ekpe Udoh.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 18, 2020

Acquiring a passport to play for another country is common for players who play in domestic leagues overseas.

But it is more rare for NBA players.

With the addition of Dinwiddie, the Nigerian national team has a pretty solid roster.

Dinwiddie and Minnesota Timberwolves guard Josh Okogie in the backcourt, Magic forward Al-Farouq Aminu on the wing and former top-10 pick Ekpe Udoh down low is a nice foundation.

Plus, they have Mike Brown as their new coach.

Reported by CBS Sports

April 19, 2020