DAKAR (Senegal) – Olympic player Adebola Adeyeye, who made her debut in African Basketball during the 2024 Women’s Basketball League Africa (WBLA) playing for FAP of Cameroon, said the experience made her ‘she’s a better player.
FAP finished third in Group A after a 1-2 record, narrowly missing out on a quarter-final berth, before winning the 11th place match 65-50 against ASB Makomeno of the DRC.
“It was a great experience, going to Cameroon to prepare with the team and arriving in Senegal, in Dakar, a wonderful city,” the 25-year-old told FIBA.basketball.
“Going to this tournament and playing against African teams and players has been very different. The physical aspect and style of play is also different, but overall it has been an amazing experience,” she added.
Adeyeye continued: “I’m happy that these players will have the opportunity to showcase their talent on a stage as big as the WBLA. There are some extraordinary players that the world doesn’t get to see and I’m excited to the attention they receive here,” said the Nigerian-Canadian, who was visiting the two African countries for the first time.
The former Kentucky Wildcats winger, who played for Concorde Olympique Trith Basket Porte du Hainaut in the French NF1 during the 2023/24 season, averaged 7.8 points, the team’s third best performance, 8 .8 rebounds, second on the team, and one assist in four games.
Although she played for the D’Tigress, the Nigerian national team, Adeyeye believes her experience in the WBLA changed her perspective and approach to basketball for the future.
“Sometimes physical play is frowned upon in other leagues I’ve played in. Here I learned how to be both physical and stay in control of the situation. The championship allowed me to see how a player can be physical, fast and efficient. Combining that with my skills and technique, I will definitely become a better player,” admits Adeyeye.
Standing at 1.88m tall, Adeyeye says her experience at the Paris Olympics helped her get asked to play in the WBLA and was the epiphany that career opportunities could come from anywhere. Or.
“Being in Paris was a dream. Making history with the team, winning against two top teams (Australia and Canada) and competing against the United States, it was a representation of Africa and the talent we have here.”
“When I received the call to join FAP, I had the revelation that playing abroad was not the only option to advance my career, but that playing for our African teams was an equally interesting,” she added.
After playing against a Nigerian team, MFM Queens, who finished in tenth place, Adeyeye quickly saw that the future of Nigerian basketball was in good hands.
“Nigerian basketball is on the rise. Seeing these young players in action gives hope for the future. As they mature and develop, playing in these tournaments to gain experience, there are no limits,” she said, adding that she was ready to represent a club from her country if the opportunity presented itself.
FIBA
