MFR Award Thrills Basketball Icon, Ejike Ugboaja

Former D’Tigers star player, Christopher Ejike Ugboaja, has applauded former  President Muhammadu Buhari for conferring on him with the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR).

Ejike Ugboaja, a graduate of Ahmadu Bello University Zaira, was among 340 Nigerians and friends of the country President Buhari conferred the 2023 special national awards on Sunday as his parting gift.

Aside, Ejike Ugboaja, Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen, who is doing Nigerians proud in Italian Serie A with Napoli, was also conferred with the Member Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) award.

Ugboaja began his basketball career at the Youth Movement Christian Association in 1999 from which he was selected to represent Kaduna State at the National Sports Festival in Ibadan 2001. His performance at the Ibadan games earned him a place on one of the perennial powerhouse basketball clubs of Nigeria, the Yelwa Hawks.

Ejike’s biggest dream came true when he was drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers with the 55th pick in the 2006 NBA Draft. He is the only player in history to be drafted directly from Africa to the NBA.

He represented Nigeria at the 2002 U-18 African Championships in Egypt, 2003 U18 World Championships in Greece, 2005 U-21 World Championships in Argentina, and the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Australia.

He was a member of Nigeria’s Senior National Team, competing at the highest international level including the London 2012 Olympics.

Ugboaja said the national honour award will spur him to do more for the country.

“This honour by my President, Muhammadu Buhari came exactly the day I was born. I am happy my country has remembered me at last. It’s a thing of joy to serve your country and you are appreciated.

This will spur me to do more for the country.