Ado Salisu
Born on May 11, 1981, in Ibadan, Nigeria, Olumide Oyedeji rose from humble beginnings to become one of Africa’s most respected basketball figures—both on and off the court. His journey reflects determination, resilience, and a lasting commitment to sports development.
Oyedeji began his basketball journey at Loyola College in Ibadan, where his talent quickly became evident. His early promise earned him opportunities to play professionally in Europe, particularly in Russia and Germany, where his performances attracted international attention.
His major breakthrough came in the 2000 NBA Draft, when the Seattle SuperSonics selected him 42nd overall, making him one of the few Nigerian players to reach the world’s premier basketball league at the time.
Oyedeji played three seasons in the National Basketball Association from 2000 to 2003, representing the Seattle SuperSonics and later the Orlando Magic. Across 93 NBA games, he averaged 1.4 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 0.1 assists per game, primarily serving as a reserve center.
While his statistics were modest, his presence in the NBA marked a significant milestone for Nigerian basketball, breaking barriers and inspiring future generations.
After his NBA career, Oyedeji continued playing professionally across multiple continents. He featured for clubs in Greece, Slovenia, China, Korea, Spain, and the Middle East, building a long and respected international career known for consistency and professionalism.
On the international stage, Oyedeji became a cornerstone of Nigeria’s national basketball team, Nigeria men’s national basketball team, serving as captain from 2006 to 2016.
Under his leadership, Nigeria achieved historic milestones, including:
Winning its first AfroBasket championship in 2015
Securing multiple medals at the FIBA Africa Nations Cup
Winning gold at the 2011 All-Africa Games
Leading Nigeria to its first Olympic basketball appearance at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London.His leadership helped elevate Nigeria’s global basketball profile.
After retiring from professional basketball, Oyedeji transitioned into sports administration and athlete representation. He has served as President of the Nigeria Olympians Association and Third Vice-President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, advocating for athlete welfare and development.
In January 2026, he reached another historic milestone when he was elected Secretary-General of the World Olympians Association, becoming the first African to hold the position. This achievement highlights his growing influence in global sports governance.
Today, Olumide Oyedeji is recognized not only as a pioneer of Nigerian basketball but also as a global sports leader. His journey from the courts of Ibadan to the highest levels of international sports administration stands as a powerful example of perseverance, leadership, and service.
His story continues to inspire young athletes across Africa, demonstrating that success in sports extends beyond competition into leadership, mentorship, and lasting impact.