Nigeria’s D’Tigress forward and reigning AfroBasket MVP, Amy Okonkwo, has signed a seven-day hardship contract with WNBA side Dallas Wings, a fulfillment of her long-held dream to play in the world’s premier women’s basketball league.
The move comes just weeks after Okonkwo inspired D’Tigress to their fifth straight FIBA Women’s AfroBasket title in Rwanda, where she claimed her second consecutive MVP award.
Amy Okonkwo Fulfills WNBA Dream After Back-to-Back AfroBasket MVP Triumphs
The 6-foot-2 forward had spoken about her WNBA aspirations immediately after Nigeria’s victory in Kigali, telling reporters:
“I still have hopes for a WNBA opportunity. I want to play at the highest level, whenever possible. I have played EuroLeague, and this next year I will be playing EuroCup in Turkey.”
“I’m just following where the game is taking me, trying to play at the highest level possible and playing the best that I can.”
That dream has now materialized quicker than she anticipated, with her signing bringing her full circle to the Dallas-Fort Worth area, where she played three seasons of college basketball with TCU Horned Frogs, winning the Big 12 Sixth Player of the Year award in 2018.
Dallas Wings Roster Crisis Opens the Door
Okonkwo joins a Wings squad currently hit hard by injuries. The team was eliminated from playoff contention last week and has been reduced to just eight active players.
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Center Li Yueru is out for the season with an ACL sprain.
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All-Star guard Arike Ogunbowale is sidelined indefinitely with right knee tendinitis.
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Rookie JJ Quinerly also exited their recent loss to Los Angeles Sparks after a leg injury.
This shortage paved the way for the Nigerian forward’s arrival. In their official announcement, the Wings stated:
“Welcome, Amy 💙. The Dallas Wings have signed forward Amy Okonkwo to a seven-day hardship contract.”
“The two-time FIBA AfroBasket MVP (2023, 2025) will be available for Friday’s game against the Seattle Storm.”
A Decorated International Career
Okonkwo is already one of the most accomplished players in Nigerian basketball history.
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Three-time AfroBasket champion with D’Tigress.
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Two-time AfroBasket MVP (2023, 2025), becoming only the second Nigerian after Mfon Udoka to win the award back-to-back.
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Two-time Olympian, representing Nigeria at Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024.
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Key figure in Nigeria’s 29-game unbeaten streak at the AfroBasket, the longest in African women’s basketball history.
She was also standout for French club Bourges, averaging 14.2 points, 5.2 rebounds and shooting 48% from three-point range last season.
Earlier this year, she appeared in two WNBA preseason games with Connecticut Sun, posting 7 points and 4 rebounds per game.
Full Circle for Amy Okonkwo
Born in Fontana, California, Okonkwo played her freshman season with the USC Trojans before transferring to TCU.
Now, after carving a reputation in Europe and on the international stage, she returns to North Texas, this time as a professional in the WNBA.
Her signing not only fulfills her personal ambition but also shines a spotlight on Nigeria’s golden generation of women’s basketball.
With her versatility, clutch shooting, and proven leadership, Okonkwo will now look to make an impact on the WNBA floor, beginning with Friday’s clash against Seattle Storm.
