Nigerian Basketball Star Becomes First African WOA Leader

Nigeria's Olumide Oyedeji has made history as the first African ever elected Secretary General of the World Olympians Association, capturing 52% of votes in a three-way race. The victory marks a breakthrough moment for African representation in global Olympic leadership.

Oyedeji defeated candidates from El Salvador and Puerto Rico with 55 out of 106 votes cast. He'll serve a four-year term on the board alongside President Pernilla Wiberg of Sweden and other leaders from across five continents.

The new Secretary General brings serious credentials to the table. Drafted 42nd overall by the Seattle SuperSonics in the 2000 NBA draft, Oyedeji captained Nigeria's basketball team to their first All-Africa Games gold medal in 2011 and helped secure the country's first AfroBasket title in 2015.

Currently president of the Nigeria Olympians Association and chairman of the Nigeria Athletes Commission, Oyedeji promised a leadership style built on three pillars. He pledged that integrity would guide every decision, transparency would define actions, and inclusive leadership would become the standard.

"Every continent, every National Olympians Association, and every Olympian matters," Oyedeji said in his acceptance. His message was clear: no corner of the Olympic movement will be left behind.

The Ripple Effect

Oyedeji's election sends ripples far beyond one leadership position. His win gives Africa its strongest voice yet in shaping how Olympic values translate into real-world impact for athletes worldwide.

The new board reflects unprecedented diversity, with equal representation across continents and genders. Members hail from Madagascar, Ghana, Canada, the United States, the Philippines, Nepal, Greece, Croatia, Australia, and Fiji.

Oyedeji outlined an ambitious vision for his term: strengthening partnerships with the International Olympic Committee, empowering national associations, and amplifying athletes' voices globally. He emphasized working through "open dialogue, mutual respect, and shared purpose" rather than top-down mandates.

For African athletes who've long felt underrepresented in Olympic governance, Oyedeji's election proves their seat at the table isn't just symbolic anymore. When leadership looks like the global community it serves, everyone wins.