Nigerian-born Charlton star Oguchi Onyewu set to walk in footsteps of NBA legends in charity fundraiser

OGUCHI ONYEWU will walk in the footsteps of some NBA legends tomorrow when he takes part in Hoops Aid.

ALONGSIDE LEGENDS: Onyewu will play take part in a special charity game [GETTY]

The Charlton defender has met the likes of Kobe Bryant and Carmelo Anthony through playing in two World Cups for the USA national team.

But he will get the chance to play basketball at the scene of one of their greatest triumphs at the O2 Arena, where the States won Olympic gold in 2012.

Onyewu, 32, said: “The sports world is a small world, so I’ve met plenty of NBA players. Kobe, Tony Parker, John Wall, Kevin Durant, Melo… All at different times.

“If we could put them all on the court together on Sunday I think we’d definitely have a winning team!”

Onyewu, who was born in Washington and played basketball as a kid before focusing on football, is playing in the celebrity fundraiser to help support the Sports Traider charity.

Sports Traider tries to break down barriers like race, background or ability to give kids a chance to fulfil their sporting ambition.

That is something Onyewu can relate to after starting his own charity in Washington called Go Global.

He said: “I started it to raise awareness about health and fitness issues in the States. We focus on childhood obesity, which is a big issue in America.

“It’s all about empowering kids by promoting health and fitness in their daily lives, so when I heard about Sports Traider and how it helps give opportunities to disabled and disadvantaged kids, I jumped on it.”

Onyewu will be playing against the likes of Steve-O from Jackass, Ike The Kidd from Diversity, The Voice winner Jermain Jackman and heavyweight boxer Dereck Chisora at Hoops Aid.

He said: “I played a bit growing up but I gave it up when was 14, 15 to play football. I still love the sport though.

“I have the basics down. I played last summer, just shooting some hoops with my boys. It’s going to be fun.”

Hoops Aid, which takes place before the BBL Play-Off Final, also features exclusive performances by Flawless, Jon Moses and West London rapper EcKSell.

Tickets prices begin at £20 and are available at www.axs.com or by calling 08448 24 48 24