Susan Odiowei Net Worth

Susan Odiowei: The Rising Star of Nigerian Basketball

Susan Odiowei is a dynamic and rapidly ascending basketball player from Nigeria, whose talent, work ethic, and leadership on the court have made her one of the most promising athletes in the sport. Born in 2003, she has already carved out a reputation as a fierce competitor, blending athleticism with a high basketball IQ. Odiowei’s breakout performances at the 2023 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket qualification tournaments, where she averaged 18.5 points and 7.2 rebounds per game, earned her a place on the national team roster and captured the attention of scouting networks across Africa and Europe. Her ability to play both guard and forward positions, combined with her relentless defensive pressure, makes her a versatile asset for any squad. As a key player for the Nigerian D’Tigress youth development program, Odiowei represents the next generation of African basketball talent. Her journey from the streets of Lagos to international courts is a testament to her dedication and the growing strength of women’s basketball in Nigeria.

Early Life & Education

Susan Odiowei was born in 2003 in Lagos, Nigeria, into a family that valued education and sports equally. Her father, a former amateur footballer, and her mother, a schoolteacher, encouraged her to pursue her passions from a young age. Growing up in the bustling neighbourhood of Surulere, Odiowei was introduced to basketball at the age of 10 when she joined a local community court program run by the Nigerian Basketball Federation. She quickly stood out for her height, agility, and natural scoring instinct.

She attended Lagos State Model College, where she balanced academics with rigorous training. Her coaches there recognised her potential and enrolled her in the Edo State Basketball Academy, a feeder program for the national youth teams. In 2019, Odiowei earned a scholarship to St. Mary’s High School in Lagos, where she led her team to three consecutive state championships. Her academic strength was equally impressive: she graduated with honours in 2021, scoring top marks in mathematics and economics. Formative experiences, such as training under former D’Tigress captain Mfon Udoka and competing in the Nigerian Secondary Schools Games, shaped her competitive mindset. Odiowei often credits her mother for instilling discipline and the importance of education, which she continues to emphasise in her public engagements.

Career & Major Achievements

Rise Through the Ranks

Susan Odiowei’s professional career began in earnest when she joined the First Bank Basketball Club of Lagos in 2020, one of the most successful women’s teams in Nigeria. In her debut season, she averaged 12.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.1 assists, quickly becoming a fan favourite. Her performances earned her a call-up to the Nigerian U-19 national team for the 2021 FIBA U-19 Women’s Basketball World Cup, where she helped the team reach the quarter-finals. Odiowei’s leadership on the court was evident: she was the team’s second-leading scorer in the tournament and was named to the All-Tournament Second Team.

In 2022, she made the leap to the senior level, signing with Rivers Hoopers, a powerhouse in the Nigerian Women’s Premier League. That season, she led the league in scoring (22.1 points per game) and was named the Most Valuable Player of the league finals, guiding Rivers Hoopers to their fourth consecutive championship. Her standout performance of 34 points in Game 3 of the finals is still remembered as one of the most dominant displays in Nigerian women’s basketball history.

International Breakthrough

Odiowei’s international breakthrough came in 2023 when she was selected for the Nigerian D’Tigress senior team for the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket qualifiers. She made an immediate impact, scoring a game-high 26 points against Senegal and recording a double-double (18 points, 11 rebounds) against Mozambique. Nigeria qualified for the main tournament, and Odiowei was named the Rising Star of the Qualifiers by FIBA Africa. Later that year, she participated in the African Games in Accra, Ghana, where she helped Nigeria capture the gold medal, contributing 15 points in the final against Mali.

In 2024, Odiowei ventured overseas, signing a short-term contract with CB Bembibre in the Spanish Liga Femenina Endesa, a move that exposed her to higher-level competition. She averaged 14.8 points and 6.3 rebounds in 12 games, earning plaudits from European scouts. Her success in Spain led to an invitation to the WNBA Pre-Draft Camp in 2024, where she impressed with her athleticism and defensive versatility. Although she went undrafted, she remains a strong candidate for future WNBA roster spots.

Impact and Recognition

Beyond the court, Susan Odiowei has become a role model for young girls in Nigeria. She frequently conducts free basketball clinics in underserved communities and has partnered with Nike’s “Made to Play” initiative to promote sports participation among girls. In 2023, she received the Nigerian Sports Award for Emerging Female Athlete of the Year. Her impact is also measured by her social media following, where she uses her platform to advocate for gender equality in sports and to inspire the next generation of Nigerian basketball players.

Personal Life & Legacy

Despite her growing fame, Susan Odiowei remains grounded and deeply connected to her roots. She is known for her humility and close-knit family ties, often posting photos with her parents and younger siblings on social media. In her spare time, she enjoys reading motivational books, listening to Afrobeats, and mentoring young athletes through her Odiowei Basketball Foundation, which she established in 2023. The foundation provides equipment, scholarships, and training opportunities for girls aged 12–18 in Lagos and Port Harcourt. She has also been a vocal advocate for mental health awareness in sports, sharing her own experiences with pressure and injury recovery.

Odiowei’s legacy is still being written, but her journey already symbolises the rise of African women’s basketball on the global stage. She is frequently compared to Nigerian legends like Aisha Mohammed and Evelyn Akhator, but she is determined to forge her own path. Her ultimate goal is to represent Nigeria at the Olympic Games and to play in the WNBA, while continuing to inspire a generation of young Africans to dream beyond limits.

Net Worth & Business

As of 2025, Susan Odiowei’s estimated net worth is approximately US₦475.9 Million, derived from her basketball contracts, endorsement deals, and personal investments. Her primary income comes from her playing salary with Rivers Hoopers and her short-term stint in Spain. She has endorsement partnerships with Nike and Pepsi Nigeria, which together contribute an estimated ₦108.8 Millionannually. Odiowei has also begun investing in real estate, purchasing a small apartment in Lagos, and has a stake in a local sports apparel startup called “Hoops Africa”. She is known for her financial discipline, often crediting her mother’s teaching. Despite her modest net worth compared to global stars, Odiowei’s value is expected to rise significantly as she continues to secure more lucrative contracts and endorsements, especially if she breaks into the WNBA or a top European league. Her business holdings are managed by a small team, and she remains focused on building a sustainable career beyond basketball.