Nigeria Forward Devine Eke Suffers Season-Ending Knee Injury During Preseason Game in Serbia

Nigeria Forward Devine Eke Suffers Season-Ending Knee Injury During Preseason Game in Serbia

Nigeria national team forward Devine Eke suffered a torn patella tendon during a preseason game with KK Sloboda Užice.

The injury sidelines the former Rivers Hoopers standout for the entire European season, spanning from autumn to spring. Eke joined the Serbian club barely one week ago, making this setback a cruel twist of timing. The Radford University graduate spent last season with the Senegal-based team ASC Ville de Dakar, competing in the Basketball Africa League (BAL).

His initial stint in the BAL with Rivers Hoopers opened the world up to his top-tier athleticism, defensive versatility, and ability to stretch defences with perimeter shooting. During BAL 2025, the forward shot 40% from long range, whilst playing for ASC Ville de Dakar.

Now, his return path shifts toward next year's BAL Conferences, where he hopes to reappear for regular-season action.

This summer, Eke suited up for Nigeria during FIBA AfroBasket 2025, producing efficient numbers, although on limited shot opportunities. He knocked down 66.7% of his shots from beyond the arc, showcasing improved range from BAL 2025. Against Tunisia, he posted a plus-10 rating, highlighted by a fourth-quarter block against guard Achref Gannouni.

The patella injury interrupts his steady rise, with his resume that includes stints across the NBA G League, the BAL and European basketball. However, the Nigerian remains determined to return for the BAL 2026 as well as for international duty.

[Original New Source: X Ball Africa]

[Photography Courtesy of the Basketball Africa League and FIBA]