Mercury’s Akoa Makani shares message after AfroBasket decision

Akoa Makani was pre-selected as part of Cameroon’s team but chose to stay with Phoenix, as first reported by David Veenstra from Desert Wave Media. She played for Cameroon in 2023 and 2024. In an Instagram story, the Mercury guard spoke to her Cameroonian fans, confirming her decision.

“This choice was not an easy one to make,” Akoa Makani said, in French translated to English. “I thank you already for your understanding and support that makes me feel even stronger!”

Akoa Makani also wished her fellow Cameroonian teammates luck in the competition.

“Go out there, have fun and represent our beautiful country with honor and pride,” she said.

Akoa Makani has been with the Mercury since training camp, earning a roster spot with the team. She has missed some playing time due to being on concussion protocol after Phoenix’s game against the Golden State Valkyries on July 14.

Phoenix announced on Thursday that she is off concussion protocol and will play in Friday’s matchup against the New York Liberty.