Agunanne Honors Nigerian Roots Through Game 1 Outfit
Photo source: Vyn Radovan/ALL-STAR
Before the electrifying atmosphere of Game 1 of the UAAP Season 87 Men’s Basketball Finals, eyes were on De La Salle University’s towering foreign student-athlete, Henry Agunanne. While his imposing presence on the court has become a familiar sight, this time, it was his pre-game ensemble that drew attention and admiration.
Stepping into the arena, Henry donned a striking Kaftan, also known as a Senator attire, complete with intricate embroidery that spoke volumes of his Nigerian heritage. The outfit was a powerful visual statement – a blend of elegance and cultural pride. And for Henry, it wasn’t just about fashion; it was about identity, heritage, and sharing a deeper part of his story.
“My outfit is called Kaftan, also known as Senator, and it represents the diverse cultural heritage and identity of Nigerians as well as many other countries in West Africa,” Agunanne explained in an exclusive interview with ALL-STAR. “Wearing it is a way of honoring my roots and celebrating the diversity and beauty of my background.”
Henry, who previously played for Centro Escolar University before transferring to La Salle, has been on a journey of growth and self-discovery – one that took him thousands of miles away from home. His Kaftan wasn’t just a nod to his Nigerian roots; it was a thoughtful tribute to the regions that shaped him.
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“Yes, the embroidery on the chest of the Kaftan is inspired by the ‘Arewa symbol’, which is closely tied to the Hausa tribe in Northern Nigeria,” Agunanne said. “This detail reflects the part of Nigeria where I was born and raised. Meanwhile, the overall style of the Kaftan pays tribute to my Igbo heritage from Southeastern Nigeria. So my outfit weaves together both the southern and northern influences that have shaped who I am.”
Henry’s Kaftan stood out, a reminder that beneath the competition and intensity of college basketball lie stories of heritage, migration, and personal sacrifice.
“For me, this outfit is a strong reminder of where I come from and how far I’ve come,” Henry shared. “Beyond its classy and timeless aesthetic, it was an opportunity to share a piece of Nigerian culture and a deeper part of my story with people here in the Philippines. I’ve had this Kaftan for a while now, but I was waiting for the right occasion to wear it. Being in the finals of the UAAP is a great blessing, and it felt like the perfect moment. So wearing it in Game 1 is a celebration of both my journey and a reminder of the reasons I left Nigeria to pursue this path.”
Henry’s gesture did not go unnoticed. Fellow foreign student-athletes like UE’s Precious Momowei took to social media to applaud his tribute to their shared heritage. Their support highlighted a sense of unity among those who have traveled far from home to chase their dreams on Philippine soil.
“It means so much to me,” Agunanne reflected. “Obviously, the Kaftan is not peculiar to me alone. They all have something similar, if not the same, in their own various tribes and countries. Seeing their support reminds me that we all carry pieces of home with us, even when we’re far away. It just means a lot that today, in Game 1 of the finals, I was able to use the platform God has blessed me with to represent for all of us and shine a light on our collective heritage and the cultures that connect us.”
As the Green Archers fight for the UAAP title, Henry Agunanne’s presence transcends sport. His Kaftan, a seamless blend of tradition and modernity, reminds us that beyond the scoreboard, there are stories of resilience, culture, and pride waiting to be celebrated.
In honoring his roots, Henry not only showcased Nigerian culture but also demonstrated that home is something you carry within, no matter how far the journey takes you.
