RALEIGH – International prospect Favour Ossai has joined the NC State women’s basketball team ahead of the 2026-27 season, as announced by head coach Wes Moore Wednesday.
RALEIGH – International prospect Favour Ossai has joined the NC State women’s basketball program ahead of the 2026-27 season, head coach Wes Moore announced Wednesday.
The 6-foot-2 forward is originally from Delta State, Nigeria, and brings an intriguing combination of size and experience to the Wolfpack.
“We’re excited to have Favour join the Pack,” Moore said. “She will provide us with some size and depth on the interior. It will take her some time to catch up after missing summer workouts, but she’s focused and ready to go.”
Ossai spent the past three years playing in Japan at Fukushima Toryo High School. Despite having only played basketball for six years, she quickly developed while competing against strong school and club programs throughout the country.
During her time at Fukushima Toryo, Ossai emerged as the team’s leading scorer, averaging nearly 27 points and 12 rebounds per game.
Her high school team also earned a spot representing its region at the Winter Cup, Japan’s High School Basketball Championship. Ossai made a major impact at the event, ranking among the country’s top 10 scorers after averaging a double-double of 25.3 points and 20.6 rebounds per game.
Ossai delivered one of her best performances against Saibi High School, recording 35 points and 24 rebounds to help Fukushima Toryo secure its first-ever tournament victory. She followed that effort with 26 points and 25 rebounds in a win over Saitama Sakae. Fukushima Toryo eventually fell to Yakumo Gauken, with Ossai finishing that game with 15 points and 13 rebounds.
During the 2025 regular season, Ossai also posted a career-high 38 points against Yuzawa Shohku High School.
Before moving to Japan, Ossai represented Nigeria as a member of the country’s U16 national team. She also competed at the International School Sports Federation Championship in 2022.
Ossai becomes the 10th international player recruited by Moore during his time leading NC State women’s basketball. She also gives the Wolfpack its sixth team under Moore with at least two international players, joining teammate Khady Leye of Senegal.
Ossai arrived on NC State’s campus at the beginning of the fall 2026 semester and will now prepare for her first season with the Wolfpack.
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