The Portland Fire have officially signed forward Amy Okonkwo to a standard WNBA contract, providing a much-needed boost to their roster as they deal with injuries. This move comes after the unfortunate news that Sarah Ashlee Barker will miss the remainder of the season due to a torn ACL. Okonkwo, who has previously played for the Dallas Wings and Atlanta Dream, joins the Fire as they navigate a challenging inaugural season, currently holding a record of 13-19.
Okonkwo, a notable player in international basketball, has earned recognition as a two-time MVP at the Women’s AfroBasket tournament. Her experience in the WNBA includes appearances in nine regular-season games over the last two seasons, where she averaged 11 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.4 steals while playing for the Wings. After returning to the Wings on a training-camp deal this season, she was waived prior to the start of the campaign. Subsequently, she signed a developmental contract with the Atlanta Dream in May but was released in July.
At 29 years old, Okonkwo has spent a significant portion of her professional career playing overseas, showcasing her talents in leagues across Spain, France, Israel, and Mexico. However, she is perhaps best known for her contributions to the Nigerian national team. During the 2023 AfroBasket tournament, she delivered an impressive performance, averaging 17.4 points and 8.2 rebounds, helping Nigeria secure its fifth consecutive African title in 2025 with a scoring average of 14 points per game.
Okonkwo has also been a vital member of the Nigerian Olympic teams, participating in the 2020 and 2024 Games. Notably, she averaged 11 points and 4.8 rebounds during the 2024 Paris Olympics, where the Nigerian women made history by becoming the first African team, male or female, to reach the quarterfinals.
In order to join the Fire, Okonkwo had to temporarily leave the Nigerian national team’s training camp, but she is expected to return in time for the upcoming World Cup later this month. In her first media availability, she expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity, stating, “It’s a great opportunity. I’d love to come in and help however I can.”
As the Portland Fire continue to build their roster and seek to improve their standings in the WNBA, Okonkwo’s addition could prove pivotal, especially as they look to overcome the challenges posed by injuries and establish a competitive presence in the league.
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