NIGERIAN BASKETBALL PLAYER DIVINE ADILI’S FAMILY CALLS FOR AUTOPSY AHEAD OF RETURN TO NIGERIA

The family of Nigerian basketball player Chukwuemeka Divine Adili has requested that an autopsy be conducted before his remains are brought back to Nigeria, the Nigerian Embassy in Manila said.

Adili, who was part of the Ateneo Blue Eagles men’s basketball program, reportedly died alongside Filipino rookie Rene Baterbonia during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora. Both players were said to have drowned while the team was in the area.

Authorities are continuing to look into the circumstances of the incident, including how the activity was organized and whether proper safety measures were in place.

The autopsy request is expected to help Adili’s family obtain clearer answers about his death as the investigation moves forward. The tragedy has drawn concern from the basketball community and raised broader questions about athlete safety during off-court team activities.