Young Nigeria-born basketball prospect Denice Obase has taken another important step in his developing career after joining ELAchem Vigevano 1955 ahead of the 2026/27 Italian basketball season.

The 19-year-old forward, born on 26 June 2007 in Nigeria and raised in Turin, Italy, has been announced as part of Vigevano’s squad for the new campaign. Standing at an imposing 201 centimetres (6ft 7in) and weighing approximately 95 kilograms, Obase brings youth, physical strength and considerable potential to the club.

Vigevano officially announced his arrival on 23 July 2026, describing him as the final Under-21 player added to the roster available to head coach Stefano Salieri for the 2026/27 season.

From Nigeria to Turin ìand a Growing Basketball Career

Obase’s sporting journey is particularly interesting because basketball was not initially the sport he dreamed of pursuing.

According to reports surrounding his move to Vigevano, Obase grew up with a strong passion for football and once hoped to become a goalscorer. He comes from a sporting family: his brothers Dylan and Michael play football, while his sister Michelle has pursued volleyball.

His direction changed in 2022, when he was invited to shoot a basketball at a court on the outskirts of Turin. What began as an invitation to take a few shots developed into a serious commitment to basketball.

That decision has now taken the Nigeria-born youngster into Italy’s competitive basketball system.

Progress Through Italian Basketball

Before his move to Vigevano, Obase developed with Collegno Basket, where records show him competing at youth and senior level. During the 2024/25 B Interregionale campaign, PlayBasket records 36 points across eight appearances, with a best scoring performance of 11 points.

He subsequently represented Foppiani Fulgor Fidenza, including its Under-19 Eccellenza programme and senior team in Serie B Nazionale.

Official Lega Nazionale Pallacanestro statistics list Obase at 2.1 points and 2.0 rebounds per game in regular-season senior competition with Fidenza. His playing time was limited, but the experience gave the young forward valuable exposure to senior Italian basketball.

One particularly encouraging performance came during Fidenza’s May 2026 playoff series against OraSì Ravenna. On 26 May 2026, Obase played 21 minutes, scoring 8 points and collecting 8 rebounds.

Interestingly, he had already faced his future club. On 21 December 2025, Obase played 14 minutes against ELAchem Vigevano, recording four points as Fidenza fell 84–62.

A New Challenge at Vigevano

The move represents a significant opportunity for the young forward.

ELAchem Vigevano are preparing for the 2026/27 Serie A2 season, placing Obase in an environment where he can continue developing against a higher level of competition. The club has identified him as one of its Under-21 options under coach Stefano Salieri.

There is already some familiarity between player and coach. Before the signing was announced, Obase played in the famous Giardini Margherita summer tournament on the team coached by Salieri — and that team went on to win the tournament.

For a player who only seriously embraced basketball a few years ago, his progression has been impressive.

At 19, Obase still has considerable room for development, but his combination of size, athleticism and experience within the Italian basketball structure makes him an intriguing young prospect to follow.

A Talent With Nigerian Roots on the Rise in Italy

For Nigerian and African sports followers, Denice Obase’s story is another example of young African-born talent emerging through European sporting systems.

Born in Nigeria, raised in Turin and now preparing for a new chapter with one of Italy’s historic basketball clubs, his journey has already crossed cultures, cities and different levels of competition.

The next challenge will be turning potential into consistent performances.

As ELAchem Vigevano prepares for the new season, attention will be on the young number 16 to see how he responds to the demands of Serie A2 basketball.

For Obase, however, the trajectory is already clear: from a football-loving youngster in Turin to a promising professional basketball player, his sporting journey is only beginning.

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