NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo has indicated he embraces his heritage as a Nigerian and Greek in the face of criticism regarding his background.
Speaking to Africans in Sport, the Milwaukee Bucks Forward stated he is a Nigerian and Greek though he represents Greece internationally.
“I kind of hate that a lot of people say, he’s not Greek, he’s Nigerian. No he’s not Nigerian, he’s Greek. I’m both. I’m both. The same way a lot of people are both, I’m both” he stated.
Giannis was born in Greece to Nigerian parents and recently competed for the European nation at the 2019 FIBA World Cup in China.
Connecting to his African roots, Antetokounmpo spoke about the upcoming Basketball Africa League (BAL) which is due to be staged in seven cities in Africa.
“It’s amazing creating a league in Africa. Giving opportunities to African talent and African players to go out there and showcase their talent” he said according to GiveMeSport.com
Giannis is the reigning NBA Most Valuable Player Award winner is in contention for the 2019-2020 season Award. Giannis acquired his Nigerian passport in 2015
By Yaw Adjei-Mintah
@YawMintYM on Twitter
