feature-image

USA Today via Reuters

feature-image

USA Today via Reuters

Despite his enormous reputation and success, Giannis Antetokounmpo never had the chance to travel to his native Nigeria. That is until the 2x MVP was spotted in Lagos, Nigeria for the first time ever on Friday, July 28, 2023. The towering basketball player was seen at Rowe Park in Lagos, where he generously taught aspiring young players the game.

Terrell Owens holding Dude Wipes XL

His visit sought to support the sport’s growth and motivate the upcoming generation of basketball stars in Nigeria. Giannis’ involvement in the Youth Alive Basketball Championship, where he actively interacted with the youngsters both on and off the court, was the highlight of his trip. However, he was not alone during his visit. He had his special lady by his side. And they received a warm welcome from fans on Twitter.

Watch What’s Trending Now!

ADVERTISEMENT

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s special homecoming

Giannis Antetokounmpo was born in Athens, Greece, to Nigerian parents. He and his four brothers were brought up in a humble household. Despite being bought up in Greece, Giannis has strong ties to Nigeria as his parents emigrated from Lagos in search of a better life. He struggled with poverty and statelessness as a child in Athens for many years as a result of his family’s undocumented status. Furthermore, they often faced the difficulties of being immigrants in Greece.

His first visit to his country must surely have been special for the player. What made it more special is that he visited Nigeria with his mother.

ADVERTISEMENT

article-image

USA Today via Reuters

He shared a picture with his mother, Veronica Antetokounmpo on his Twitter handle. It had the caption, “Finally made it to Nigeria with Mama the Mama”

ADVERTISEMENT

Giannis has always been proud of his roots, always enthusiastically stressing his name “Adetokunbo” to the press and media.

Read More: After 7FT Giannis Antetokounmpo Tries to Steal Kylian Mbappe?s $776,000,000 Offer, Francis Ngannou Sends a 4-Word Message to the NBA Star as Tyson Fury Fight in Saudi Arabia Inches Closer

ADVERTISEMENT

Meanwhile, the news of his arrival in Nigeria has created a frenzy among fans on Twitter.

NBA fans react to Giannis in Nigeria

ADVERTISEMENT

The news of Giannis’ visit to Lagos soon went viral on social media, thrilling basketball fans all throughout the nation. There was a palpable sense of anticipation and excitement among the fans and locals because it was his first time walking on Nigerian land. Meanwhile, many fans took to Twitter to give him a warm welcome.

Watch This Story: Kevin Durant and Giannis Antetokounmpo lead the NBA world in Lionel Messi?s ecstatic welcome to America after sensational Inter Miami decision snubbing Barcelona.

ADVERTISEMENT

A fan tweeted, Going back to his real roots.”

Many other reactions flurried in. A fan pointed out an interesting fact.

ADVERTISEMENT

A beautiful shot indeed.

ADVERTISEMENT

A few fans asked him why the Milwaukee Bucks?player tagged Whatsapp in his tweet.

A fan finds him similar-looking to his mother.

The big man received a warm welcome from his fans.

What are your thoughts on his visit? Let us know in the comments below!

Share this with a friend:

Link Copied!

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

Written by

author-image

Ranjitha Ramesh

484 Articles

Ranjitha Ramesh is an NBA writer at EssentiallySports. With a degree in Journalism and Mass Communication, Ranjitha has a strong foundation in reporting and writing. Her passion for basketball, particularly the Lakers and LeBron James, fuels her desire to delve into the lifestyle and off-court activities of NBA stars. Ranjitha closely follows post-game interviews and analyses, constantly striving to learn more about the game and its players. Ranjitha looks up to the entertaining duo of Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley and very much enjoys their banter-filled insights into the world of basketball.

Know more

Edited by

editor-image

Bilal Handoo

ADVERTISEMENT