Shoe maker Nike has said it is investigating, after a basketball player's shoe split in half just seconds into a game in the US.

Zion Williamson of the Duke Blue Devils was thrown to the floor during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against North Carolina.

The 18-year-old sprained his right knee on the first possession on Wednesday.

In a statement, Nike said: "We are obviously concerned and want to wish Zion a speedy recovery".

"The quality and performance of our products are of utmost importance.

"While this is an isolated occurrence, we are working to identify the issue."

Zion Williamson sits on the floor following a injury during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against North Carolina, in Durham | Image: Gerry Broome/AP/Press Association Images

The rubber sole seemed to rip loose from the Nike shoe.

The sportswear giant is the exclusive supplier of uniforms, shoes and clothing for the Duke team.

Former US President Barack Obama was among the crowd at the game.

After the incident, Mr Obama tweeted: "Zion Williamson seems like an outstanding young man as well as an outstanding basketball player. Wishing him a speedy recovery."

Zion Williamson seems like an outstanding young man as well as an outstanding basketball player. Wishing him a speedy recovery.

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) February 21, 2019

Shares in Nike fell more than one percent as a result.