16-year-old Greek National Girls' Basketball player speaks out against racist comments: I will continue to wear my country's jersey with pride

The young athlete hails from Nigeria, but was born and raised in Greece and now represents the national team through the Greek National Team. The young guard from Panathlitikos Sykies has been in the spotlight in recent days, as she has a leading role in the National Team’s tournament, averaging 19.3 points, 4 rebounds and 1.3 assists.

Recently - due to her promotion through the National Team - she has received a multitude of racist messages on social media as many wrote that she has no place in the blue and white team because of her color.

After yesterday's qualification, Itoya responded through her social media account, reminding that homeland is where we grow up and fight the small and big battles. "I could be in Nigeria now and play there, but I chose the country where I was born, the country where I grew up and the country that I call home," she wrote.

A 16-year-old athlete on the National Girls' Basketball Team has spoken out against racist comments: I will continue to wear my country's jersey with pride

Lisa Itoya's post
"Half of the Greeks may hate me simply because I have a different skin color. They tell me I don’t deserve to play in Greece, as if my worth as an athlete is determined by the color of my skin. I am Greek-Nigerian.

I could be in Nigeria right now playing there, but I chose the country where I was born, the country I grew up in, and the country I call home.

So thank you for cursing a 16-year-old girl for just chasing her dream. You can judge me, doubt me, and you can try to put me down, but you will never define me. I will keep working. I will keep fighting. I will keep wearing my country’s jersey with pride. Because I have God on my side. And with God by my side, nothing and no one can stop me.”

After the end of the match (82-52 against Norway), Lisa Itoya went up to the podium and... organized the cheers.