Hakeem Olajuwon’s story reads like something out of a movie. A kid from Nigeria who grew up dribbling a soccer ball and playing handball somehow turned those same footwork skills into a Hall of Fame basketball career. By the time he was done in Houston, “Hakeem the Dream” had his name in NBA history with 12 All-Star nods, more than 3,800 blocks, and the rare double feat of topping 3,000 blocks and 2,000 steals. Few players have ever combined grace, power, and intelligence on the court the way he did.

But when the lights dimmed and the rafters echoed with his name one last time—who was standing closest to celebrate the man beyond the legend? That’s where his wife, Dalia Asafi, steps into the story.

Who is Dalia Asafi?

Dalia Asafi, born in 1978 in Nigeria, shares her roots with Hakeem Olajuwon. She moved to Houston, Texas, with her family, where she completed her education, though specific details about her high school and college aren’t publicly available. Today, she’s around 47 years old. There’s no verified information about her height or other personal specifics, but what stands out is her journey from Nigeria to the U.S., shaping the life she now shares alongside Hakeem.

How did Hakeem Olajuwon and Dalia Asafi meet?

Hakeem Olajuwon and Dalia Asafi’s story doesn’t start with a typical meet-cute. There was actually no interaction between them before marriage, since both followed the same religion and understood the rules around relationships beforehand.

Their connection came through family ties at their Houston mosque. When Dalia turned 18, her father began searching for a suitable match and approached Hakeem with a proposal. After taking the proper steps, they finally met and soon married. “There is no dating process, no boyfriends and girlfriends in Islam,” Olajuwon explained. “Families meet, talk, get to know one another. Then the marriage is arranged.”

When did Hakeem Olajuwon and Dalia Asafi get married?

Hakeem once explained, “In the Islam faith, it is customary for a girl to marry much younger than they do in America, at age 15 or 16, for instance. Dalia maybe 18 in terms of age, but because of her background, beliefs and religious understanding, she, like many other Islamic young women, possesses a maturity, knowledge and wisdom beyond her years.”

True to tradition, their families arranged everything, and Dalia Asafi married Hakeem Olajuwon on August 8, 1996. She was 18, he was 33, and the ceremony followed Islamic values, starting their lifelong journey together.

What does Dalia Asafi do for a living?

After thirty years of marriage, Dalia Asafi has centered her life around family—caring for her children, managing the household, and following her religious practices. Fans rarely get a glimpse of her, and Hakeem always protects their privacy, which is why Dalia maintains such a low profile with minimal photos, interviews, or online presence. While little is known about her career, it’s possible she enjoys a comfortable life. Meanwhile, Hakeem’s fortune has grown significantly, and as of 2025, his net worth stands at an impressive $300 million. Through it all, Dalia remains the quiet anchor behind one of basketball’s greatest legends.

Meet Hakeem Olajuwon and Dalia Asafi’s children

Hakeem and Dalia Asafi have built a close-knit family with four children—two sons, Abdullah and Abdul (better known as Aziz), and two daughters, Rahmah and Aisha. His eldest, Abisola, comes from a previous relationship with Lita. Abdullah has transitioned from playing to coaching and is currently honing his skills in college hoops, while both daughters follow their mother’s faith and lifestyle, keeping a low profile and respecting family traditions away from the spotlight.

The next generation is already making headlines. Aziz Olajuwon recently committed to Stanford, narrowing his choices from Stanford, Cincinnati, Vanderbilt, and Houston, his dad’s alma mater. “I chose Stanford because the coaching staff made it clear they are about me not just as an athlete, but as a person,” Aziz told ESPN. With this step, he becomes the first ESPN 100 recruit for Stanford under coach Kyle Smith since March 2024—proof that the Olajuwon legacy is just getting started.

Hakeem and Dalia Asafi have built a strong, close-knit family rooted in faith, tradition, and mutual support. While Hakeem shone bright on the court, Dalia quietly held the family together, and still does while shaping the next generation. Together, they’ve created a legacy both on and off the hardwood.