After their petition to play for Nigeria was denied, Nneka and Chiney Ogwumike alongside Elizabeth Williams have filed an appeal to FIBA, challenging the organization’s rulings on their applications.
The appeal argues that the secretary general did not factor in Article 3-22 of the FIBA Internal Regulations. Under the Article, the decision should’ve included whether their addition would be “in the interest of the development of basketball” in Nigeria.
“Unequivocally, this is the case for a country currently ranked 17th in the FIBA World Rankings,” the appeal argues. “A strong finish by the Nigeria women’s basketball team at the Olympic Games would undoubtedly be in the interest of the development of basketball in Nigeria.”
If the appeal is denied, all three plan to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Final rosters for the Olympics are due by Sunday.