African athletes who make it big on the global stage become a symbol of national pride. However, if they choose to show their allegiance to some other country, they get condemned. Joel Embiid is facing this fix as a citizen of 3 countries, as all of them want him to represent them in the Olympics.

While Joel has chosen the US, his homeland Cameroon has voiced its annoyance already. And now it was the turn of the European country to call the reigning MVP out for his choice.

What’s the gripe?

Cameroon delegates feel that Joel’s not playing for them is not only its country?s loss but a loss for the whole of African sports. Jean-Pierre Siutat, the president of the French Basketball Federation, also stated that Joel met him along with Boris Diaw and pledged to play for France. France has Victor Wembanyama, and if they had Joel Embiid too, they would be a formidable force in the Olympics that they are hosting in Paris. But Joel says, “I’m just sorry” to both Cameroon and France.

Joel has personal reasons to play for the US. He states that he is doing it for his son Arthur, who was born in the US.

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Not only that, there is more to his allegiance to the country that nurtured and gave him the opportunity to be him.

The Joel Embiid story

Joel Embiid?s dream was to play volleyball in Europe, until he was spotted by his fellow native, and retired NBA player, Luc Mbah a Moute, through his basketball camp. Joel had all the physical gifts but no basketball skills. He started playing basketball only at the age of 15, which is too late for any kid who harbors the NBA dream. But that was not a deterrent to Joel Embiid. His dedication to basketball made him a five-star recruit within a brief span and joined the Kansas collegiate basketball program.

The Philadelphia 76ers took Joel as their third overall pick in the 2014 draft. Within 9 years, he has become the MVP of the league. Despite his accomplishments for his club, his African roots have some legitimate grievances. Just like Luc Mbah a Moute, there are expectations from Embiid to guide the future generations. He is the beacon of hope for many young Africans who dream of playing in the NBA.

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Though the French Basketball Federation is going to be annoyed for a long time, Joel can begin reparation with Africa by paying it forward.