Ifunanya Okoro's stock continues to rise

Two years ago, I had the pleasure of interviewing a young, rising basketball star in Nigeria on the Flat out show. She was coming off a successful season with the MFM club leading the team to its first continental appearance in 2019 and averaging 13.8 points, 5 rebounds, and 4.5 assists at the tournament. Impressive numbers for the 6ft guard who made her introduction to the big stage barely a year before.

Fast forward to 2022, Ifunanya Okoro is arguably the best female basketball player in Africa.

Photo credit: FIBA Africa Women's Champions Cup

Her performance at the recent African Women's Champions cup was exhilarating, putting up a scoring master class game after game. 35 points in a must-win game against DR Congo's CNSS and 31 points outburst in a losing effort against eventual tournament winners, Sporting Alexandria of Egypt

Okoro credits her success to the support of her coach and teammates who allowed her to flourish.

"Concerning my performance, that is all down to my coach believing in me and my teammates, who feed me the ball. So it's all about teamwork."

Kenya Ports Authority finished 6th in the tournament but that didn’t stop Okoro from getting the recognition she deserved. She was named a top 5 player at the tournament and led in scoring with 20.9 points on 53.6% FG.

L-R Reem Mousa, Eleuteria Lhavanguane, Ifunaya Okoro, Ingvild Mucauro, Hager Amer

At 23 years old, she’s barely scratched the surface, and her continued growth is exciting to watch.