D’tigress captain Amy Okonkwo has signed a rest-of-season contract with the Dallas Wings after impressing on a short-term deal.
The 29-year-old forward initially joined the team on a hardship contract in August, quickly earning praise for her scoring efficiency and defensive versatility.
In six appearances, she has averaged 9.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game.
Okonkwo made an immediate impression with eight points on her debut against Seattle on 22 August, before posting double-figure performances against Golden State, Connecticut and Atlanta.
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She featured again on Thursday, contributing two points and two rebounds in 11 minutes against the Golden State Valkyries.
Okonkwo said the coaching staff’s clear instructions helped her settle in quickly. “Be myself and shoot when I’m open, play hard defence, give a lot of energy,” she told Dallas Hoops Journal. “That’s exactly what I’ll do.”
Team-mate Myisha Hines-Allen described her as “a spark the second she steps on the court,” while Paige Bueckers praised her high basketball IQ and fearlessness.
Amy Okonkwo in action for Dallas Wings in the WNBA match. Photo Credit: Getty Images
The deal marked a return to familiar surroundings for Okonkwo, who starred at Texas Christian University and interned with the Wings in basketball operations back in 2018.
“It’s amazing being able to play here in Dallas,” she said. “Going to TCU, working for the Wings as an intern, and then coming back to play and be on the court is an amazing feeling. I’m really grateful for the opportunity.”
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Since leaving college, Okonkwo has played professionally in Spain, Israel, Mexico and France, while establishing herself as a key figure for Nigeria’s D’Tigress. She has won multiple AfroBasket MVP awards and featured at the Olympic Games.
Amy Okonkwo in action for Dallas Wings in the WNBA match. Photo Credit: Getty Images
She believes her international experience has shaped her versatility.
“With my national team, we play hard-nosed defence, switching, making things difficult. I think that helps me here,” she said.
Looking ahead
With Dallas already out of playoff contention, Okonkwo will feature in the Wings’ final two regular-season fixtures before the campaign ends on 11 September.
Despite the short-term deal, she sees the stint as a platform to secure a longer stay in the WNBA.
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“I know when I step on the floor, I have to give my all,” Okonkwo said. “We still have games to play, and we have to fight every possession. I just try to give my energy to my teammates, encourage them, and keep going even if we miss shots.”
