Obadiah Noel acquires Rwandan citizenship, Paving way for national team Debut
Obadiah Noel, an American professional basketball player currently with APR BBC, has officially obtained Rwandan citizenship, a development widely seen as a strategic move to include him in Rwanda’s national team roster.
The 26-year-old guard shared the news via Instagram Stories, posting a photo of his newly issued Rwandan national ID and expressing pride in becoming Rwandan. “Honoured to officially be Rwandan,” he captioned the post.
APR BBC Team Manager, Daniel Zigirinshuti, confirmed the development, explaining that Noel himself initiated the application process.
“He requested it from the management, which assisted him in acquiring citizenship under the law that facilitates special talents needed by the country,” Zigirinshuti said.
Under Rwanda’s Organic Law of July 16, 2021, which replaced the 2008 nationality law, foreign nationals may acquire Rwandan citizenship for reasons including investment, special skills and talents needed by the country, or honorary purposes.
Once granted, naturalised citizens enjoy the same rights and obligations as Rwandans by origin, except in cases where the law specifies otherwise. However, citizenship can be revoked if obtained through false information, forged or altered documents, or any other form of fraud. It can also be stripped if the person is deemed to have betrayed the Republic of Rwanda.
Noel, who has earned the nickname “Mutabazi” among Rwandan fans for his clutch scoring ability in critical moments, is now expected to feature for the Rwandan national team.
Rwanda will participate in the upcoming FIBA AfroBasket Championship scheduled for August 12-24, 2025, in Angola.
Born in Maryland, USA, Obadiah Arthur Noel arrived in Rwanda in 2024 to play in the Basketball Africa League (BAL). Since then, his performance has impressed fans and officials alike, prompting moves to integrate him into Rwanda’s basketball ambitions at continental and global levels.
