From athletics, to football, to tennis, to golf, many Nigerians shine abroad. The American National Football League isn’t any different from other sports seeing as Nigerians have also found a good place to shine.
Five Nigerians in particular are doing exceptionally well in the football league:
Alex Okafor
Alex Okafor is an American football defensive end for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the fourth round of the 2013 NFL Draft.
The 27 year old was born in Texas to a Nigerian father and an American mother.
In 2011, Alex was named one of the best junior players n the US.
Nelson Agholor
Nelson Efamehule Agholor is an American football wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League. He played college football at USC. He was the 20th overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft.
The 25-year old moved to US at the age of five.
Hus high school playing days was the boost for his professional career after the youngster was rated as a five-star recruit, which promoted the University of Southern California to make him an offer he couldn’t resist.
Chidobe Awuzie
The 23-year old who was born in California, is an American football cornerback for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League. Just like Nelson, Chidobe played high school football and was also rated as a three-star recruit which brought about the player receiving scholarship offers from five ivy league colleges in the US including the University of Colorado where he chose.
Chidobe was named in the Throne Award watchlist which is an annual award given to the best defensive back in the nation, he was also named in the Nagurski Award watchlist, given to the best defensive player in college football.
Sam Acho
Born to Nigerian parents in the city of Texas, Samuel Onyedikachi Acho is an American football outside linebacker for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League.
Sam was a model athlete in his high school days, he played shot put, discus and football.
His performance in college football received an honorable mention from the Associated Press in their All-Big 12 Team for 2009.
David Njoku
Born on 10th of July, 1996 in Cedar Grove, New Jersey, United States, David is one remarkable player who will make a huge impact on the world in years to come.
The footballer plays tight end for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League.
As a college footballer, David’s performance deserved recognition which it got when he was drafted into the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft by Cleveland Browns who signed him to a fully guaranteed four-year contract worth $9.52 million (₦3.4 billion).