In a momentous occasion for Nigerian basketball, Okikiola “Kiki” Iriafen has become the fourth Nigerian player to be drafted into the WNBA. The talented guard was selected by the Washington Mystics as the fourth overall pick in the first round of the 2025 WNBA draft.
Iriafen’s impressive college career at Stanford University and USC Trojans earned her numerous accolades, including Pac-12 Most Improved Player of the Year (2024), Katrina McClain Award (2024), First-team All-Big Ten (2025), Third-team All-American – AP, USBWA (2025), and WBCA Coaches’ All-American (2025).
The Mystics’ head coach, Sydney Johnson, expressed excitement about rebuilding the team’s roster following Elena Delle Donne’s retirement. Iriafen is expected to be a key contributor to the team’s young core.
Iriafen’s achievement is a testament to the growing influence of Nigerian players in the WNBA, following in the footsteps of trailblazers like Nneka Ogwumike, Chiney Ogwumike, and Arike Ogunbowale. Her selection is sure to inspire a new generation of Nigerian female basketball players.
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