WNBA franchise Portland Fire have signed D’Tigress forward Amy Okonkwo on a rest-of-season hardship contract as they look to strengthen a roster depleted by injuries to key players.
Okonkwo joins the Fire under the WNBA’s Season-Ending Injury Exception following the loss of guard Sarah Ashlee Barker, who has been ruled out for the remainder of the season with an ACL injury. The Nigerian international immediately got to work, joining her new teammates for practice at the Moda Center on Tuesday.
She could make her debut against league leaders Minnesota Lynx, who have recorded 27 wins and seven losses this season, at the Moda Center on Wednesday night.
Amy Okonkwo hopes to bring the same energy and impact she delivered for the Dallas Wings last season, when she averaged 11 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.4 steals across eight appearances, including one start.
More Read
“I think it’s a great opportunity,” Amy Okonkwo told reporters after practice. “It’s later in the season, but I had a similar opportunity last year and was able to help. I hope to come in and contribute however I can.”
“Watching them play, I saw so much energy and pride in the new franchise. It was really nice to see, and I want to bring my energy as well,” she added.
Portland Fire head coach Alex Sarama confirmed that Okonkwo would provide options at power forward and centre. He believes her athleticism, toughness and physicality will strengthen the team’s rebounding and interior defence, two areas in which the Fire have struggled this season.
“I think she brings toughness defensively, as well as good athleticism and physicality at the four spot,” Sarama said. “That has been a weakness for us this year, particularly with our rebounding and interior defence. That’s where I see Amy helping.”
Before joining Portland, Okonkwo had been with the Nigerian national team in China as D’Tigress continued preparations for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup, scheduled to take place in Berlin, Germany, from September 4 to 13.
© Bold Sports Media. All rights reserved. If sharing, kindly credit Bold Sports as the source and include a link to the original post. Unauthorised use is prohibited.
