Former D’Tigress captain and five-time Women’s Afrobasket champion, Sarah Ogoke has announced her retirement from the Nigerian national team at the age of 35.
Ogoke, who is part of Nigeria’s roster at the ongoing World Cup qualifying tournament in Lyon, France, confirmed her decision during the competition.
Her trophy-laden career with D’Tigress spanned nearly 15 years, during which she won five Afrobasket titles, a silver medal at the 2015 African Games, and a bronze medal at the 2011 edition in Maputo, Mozambique.
She featured in eight Women’s Afrobasket tournaments, one World Cup, one Olympic Games, and three Olympic qualifying tournaments.
Despite going undrafted in the 2014 WNBA, the shooting guard went on to enjoy a successful club career across Africa and Europe.
She played for First Deepwater and Nigeria’s most decorated side, First Bank Basketball Club, before winning the African Women’s Club Championship in 2016 with Mozambique’s Ferroviário.
She later signed for Spanish side, Celta Vigo.
Off the court, Ogoke built an impressive professional career, becoming a surgeon after earning a degree in Biology and Pre-Medicine from Southern Polytechnic State University in Georgia.
She is also a mother and has transitioned into sports management with her agency, Vertical Extent Sports Management.
Meanwhile, the National Sports Commission, NSC has congratulated the former captain. NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko, who witnessed the announcement in Lyon, expressed the country’s gratitude, noting that President Bola Tinubu is proud of her achievements.
NSC Director-General, Bukola Olopade also described Ogoke as a living legend whose story will inspire future generations, adding that a fitting farewell would be victory against Germany in Nigeria’s final World Cup qualifying match later today.
A true legend bows out, leaving behind a legacy of excellence, leadership, and inspiration for generations to come.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
