Giannis Antetokounmpo: 5 things Nigerian Freak did in Lagos

Nigerian-born Giannis Antetokounmpo is one of the most well-liked players in the NBA. 

He was selected as the 2021 Finals MVP and has earned two league MVP honors in addition to capturing the 2021 NBA title with the Milwaukee Bucks. 

The 29-year-old, who was raised in Greece, had never gone to his parents' native Nigeria until last year. 

Giannis Antetokounmpo in Nigeria: The WhatsApp documentary WhatsApp, an instant messaging service, has published a documentary regarding Antetokounmpo's 2023 arrival in Nigeria. 

Antetokounmpo has collaborated with WhatsApp as a brand ever since he made an appearance in the messaging app's first global advertisement in 2022. 

The star talks about his first trip to Nigeria in the brand-new WhatsApp short documentary Ugo: A Homecoming Story. 

He talks about how he saw, touched, and felt a people, a country, and family that he had only ever known from a distance.

Rick Famuyiwa directed the documentary, which tracks Antetokounmpo as he visits towns, beaches, and marketplaces. 

Throughout the movie, Nigerian designers and artists offer their insights on the unique culture of their country.

The Nigerian Freak Giannis Antetokounmpo visited Beach in Lagos.

At the area, only accessible by boat or water taxis, Giannis Antetokounmpo and his mother Veronica met with swimmers and water sports enthusiasts.

In a standout moment, Antetokounmpo stops his vehicle in the middle of bustling Balogun Market to exchange a replica of his own Milwaukee Bucks jersey for a replica from a vendor.

He came down from his car to ask how much for the jersey with the trader not realizing he was bargaining with Giannis Antetokounmpo.

In the photos and videos that have surfaced online, Giannis is seen talking to aspiring basketball stars.

He also engaged them on the court at Rowe Park in Yaba, Lagos State Nigeria.

Rowe Park is the venue where another NBA MVP born in Lagos Nigeria, Hakeem Olajuwon was discovered.

According to sources, Giannis was present for the Youth Alive Basketball Championship and participated in court activities with the Kids.

The international literacy nonprofit NABU and NBA player Giannis Antetokounmpo have announced an impact partnership and the release of children's eBooks.

Seventy percent of kids in Nigeria are illiterate and unable to do basic math tasks.

Research indicates that mother language books play a crucial role in assisting kids in bridging the literacy gap.

When kids start learning in their mother tongues, their academic performance improves noticeably.

In the documentary, Antetokounmpo had a good time with his extended family.

He also was treated to Nigerian delicacies with his family.

He enjoyed fufu and egusi soup which he ate with delight.

Antetokounmpo stated he enjoyed fufu while he was targeting an NBA title with the Milwaukee Bucks.

A statement about his return by WhatsApp said, "Global basketball star Giannis Antetokounmpo returns to his roots in Nigeria.

"After a life spent in Greece and a career spent in the US, he heads to his homeland to discover where his story started.

"Here, he reconnects with his family, his heritage, and himself like never before. Presented by WhatsApp."

Giannis is now back with the Milwaukee Bucks as they target another Championship in 2024.