In the recently released documentary Ugo: A Homecoming Story, produced by WatsApp, Giannis Antetokounmpo is given a lavish welcome in Nigeria.

Ugo, named after the Milwaukee Bucks power forward’s Nigerian birth name, accompanies Antetokounmpo and his mother Veronica on their August trip to Nigeria. The documentary, which is available for streaming on YouTube and Prime Video, provides “unparalleled access into the journey of one of the world’s most decorated basketball players of all time,” per a press release.

Thirty-five years have passed since Antetokounmpo’s parents left Nigeria to move to Athens, Greece, where the NBA player was raised. In 2017, Charles Antetokounmpo, his father, passed away from a heart attack.

Under the direction of Rick Famuyiwa, Ugo depicts Antetokounmpo learning about Nigerian customs and forging closer connections with his heritage.

 

 

 

 

 

“Growing up in Greece, my Nigerian culture was something my mother made sure we carried with us, but I was never lucky enough to have a direct experience in my homeland. Thankfully WhatsApp helped me stay connected to my family and roots, allowing me to create my own unique version of heritage,” Antetokounmpo said in a statement.

 

 

He continued, “To be able to travel back to where she was born, and build a new Nigerian family, has been one of my most rewarding experiences, and only made me more proud of the many cultures that make me who I am. I’m proud to share this journey which I hope many around the world can connect to, showing us that we all have a different meaning of ‘home,’ even when we’re far away from it.”